UK Music announces progress report on an Equality & Diversity Charter
DATE: 1 August 2011
The
The Charter is expected to take a broad and inclusive interpretation of equality and diversity, and to identify areas where the industry should concentrate efforts and leadership.
Signatories to the Charter will pledge to take simple, practical steps to improve equality and diversity within the industry. It is expected to emulate the successful use of similar initiatives in other media industries, by helping the sector benefit from the widest possible range of creative and business talents.
In coming weeks, UK Music members will work with the Alliance for Diversity in Music & Media (ADMM) to facilitate dialogue with potential partners.
We would welcome contact with any interested parties or individuals.
Development of an industry-wide diversity code of practice was one of the recommendations made in Liberating Creativity, the first pan-industry music manifesto.
Commenting on the initiative Feargal Sharkey, Chief Executive of UK Music said:
“Music has inherent power to bring people together. Whatever our background, we all love it, we all consume it, we all play it; and, importantly, no sector of society has a claim over it. I passionately believe that such a natural meritocracy should continue into the workplace.
“The Equality & Diversity Charter will be a positive step to realising that goal, and ensuring our industry successfully reflects the diversity of our talent and our customers. I am confident that it will be widely welcomed and acted upon.”
Keith Harris, Director of Performer Affairs at PPL and spokesperson for the ADMM said:
"Most other industries have recognised the benefit of having a diverse and inclusive workforce, this is long overdue for our industry, and it's great to see UK Music get to grips with this very important issue."
ENDS
For further information, please contact Remi Harris on 020 7306 4389 or email remi.harris@ukmusic.org
ADDM is non-profit organisation, funded by individual donations. It was established in 2007 by a group of senior executives from inside the music industry in response to shared concerns about the equality and diversity of the business – from the disparity between ethnic minorities succeeding as performers and those succeeding in the business; the relative lack of women in senior positions; the low take up of professional and trade organisation membership by young people; and a lack of access to the industry for people from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The ADDM board comprises: Remi Harris (UK Music); Jackie Davidson (Jackie Davidson Management); Dej Mahoney (All Our Business); Keith Harris (Keith Harris Ltd / PPL); Doug D’Arcy (Songline Ltd/AIM); Paulette Long (Westbury Music / MPA / Deputy Chairwoman PRS for Music).
