Written by Kianna Best on Mar 25, 2025. Posted in General Interest

Sara Putt Associates Trainee Scheme Foundation wins prestigious PGGB Inclusion Award

The Sara Putt Associates Trainee Scheme Foundation has been honoured with the Production Guild of Great Britain’s (PGGB) Duke of Edinburgh Film and TV Inclusion Award 2025, marking a major milestone in the organisation’s mission to foster diversity and inclusion in the UK’s screen industry. Announced at a ceremony in London, the award recognises the foundation’s outstanding efforts in breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for underrepresented talent.

Image courtesy of PGGB

The scheme, founded by Sara Putt, a renowned industry agent and advocate, offers aspiring production professionals paid placements, mentorship, and training—helping them establish sustainable careers in film and television.

Since its inception, the Sara Putt Associates Trainee Scheme Foundation has worked tirelessly to provide meaningful access to the industry. It specifically targets individuals from marginalised backgrounds, including people of colour, those from low-income households, and individuals with disabilities.

“We feel incredibly honoured, very moved, and touched that people have thought to nominate us for this award," commented Putt on the win. "We are admirers and supporters of the Production Guild of Great Britain, and have been for many years, so we're very aware of this award and, honestly, we're all hugely surprised and incredibly delighted."

"We are in such amazing company – the finalists this year are all fantastic. We’re all family and everybody's trying to achieve the same goals of making the industry a better place. As my colleague Nicola wisely says, ‘Sara, we're not trying to boil the ocean. We're just trying to make a corner of it a little warmer.’ I think an award like this really helps in that work. Thank you.”

The foundation’s model of combining on-the-job experience with expert mentorship has proven highly effective. Trainees gain vital production skills while building connections with seasoned industry professionals—giving them the tools and confidence to thrive in a competitive field.

The PGGB’s Duke of Edinburgh Inclusion Award celebrates organizations making significant strides in promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. The recognition of the Sara Putt Associates Trainee Scheme Foundation highlights the tangible impact it has had, with many of its alumni now holding permanent roles on high-profile productions.

Commenting on the awards, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh said: “Many of these individuals and organisations have existed for years, delivering incredibly important work and it takes a platform like this, to really shine a light on the importance of creating opportunity for those who have the talent but maybe not the connections and access to the industry.”

Lyndsay Duthie, CEO of the PGGB, praised the foundation’s contribution to shaping a more inclusive workforce: “This scheme is a shining example of how targeted support and access to practical experience can transform the industry landscape. By nurturing diverse talent, the foundation is not only changing lives but also enriching the creative perspectives behind the content we see on screen.”