ITV Academy expands with two new appointments

Sonny Hanley, Director ITV Academy, today announces the appointment of Laura Scougall Head of Outreach & Production Early Careers and Fiona Duncan as Head of Partnerships & Development. The ITV Academy brings together new and existing initiatives across ITV into one place to make it easier for existing production staff and those looking to join ITV to access training and development.

As the Head of Outreach & Production Early Careers, Laura will start in August and will primarily work with schools, universities and other educational organisations to raise awareness of the opportunities coming through the Academy for those at the beginning of their careers. This includes traineeships and apprenticeship programmes.

Fiona starts with immediate effect as Head of Partnerships & Development. She will work with existing key partners, including ScreenSills, the National Film and Television School (NFTS) and Creative Access, to establish the plans and priorities for the Academy. Fiona will also develop relationships with new partners on a local and nationwide level.

Laura and Fiona join Director, Sonny Hanley and Karen Connolly, Project Delivery Lead who has been with the Academy team since its inception. Karen oversees all ITV production skills initiatives.
This includes the ITV Studios Production and Development traineeship; ITV’s Original Voices Scheme and the new entry-level opportunities within ITV Studios Continuing Drama which, in partnership with Creative Access, have included trainee makeup artist, runner, grip assistant and production secretary.

Sonny Hanley, Director ITV Academy said:
"To make fantastic programmes, we need to invest in bringing in and developing talent through the ITV Academy. Laura, Fiona and Karen will play key roles in working with partners across our industry and ensuring those at the beginning of their careers know about the opportunities on offer.”

Fiona Duncan said:
“I'm thrilled to join the ITV Academy - especially at this early stage to build something that is opening so many doors for talented creatives; doors that for many they didn't think were possible, and working with our incredible partners to make the Academy a leading industry resource.”

Laura Scougall added:
“Supporting others is what drives me and the ITV Academy will help inspire, mentor and train thousands of people. Whether it’s someone at the early stages of their career or someone looking to develop their career, I’m excited to be a part of that journey.”

[end]

Further information on Fiona and Laura
Most recently Commissioning Editor, ITV Interactive, Fiona has worked on some of the biggest entertainment and sport shows. She has made huge progress in identifying opportunities to support the ITV Diversity and Inclusion plan and helped launch and manage Interactive’s D&I Committee. She is an ITV Ambassador and is part of the communications and events team for ITV Embrace, ITV's internal network for Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic colleagues.

Laura was previously Head of Clip Sales and has worked for ITV for the past 13 years, bringing experience from a range of backgrounds - from commercial and legal to customer service. She has headed up large teams and developed a keen interest in helping her peers progress in their careers.