UK Music takes the issues of bulling, harassment and discrimination seriously and promotes best practice across all areas of the industry.

Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA)

UK Music and its members support the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA). The purpose of CIISA will be to uphold and improve standards of behaviour across the creative industries and to prevent and tackle all forms of bullying and harassment, including bullying and harassment of a discriminatory nature.

The authority is still in the process of being set up but more information on its purpose and the services it plans to set up can be found here. If you need immediate support contacts can be found below.

Musicians’ Union’s Safe Space

The Musicians’ Union’s Safe Space is a resource responding to any individual experiences of harassment. This resource is open to all in the music business, not just Musicians’ Union (MU) members. MU provide a clear, independent and universally accessible way to raise any personal experiences to experienced responders.

If you work in music and have faced any harassment issues in your workplace, whether you are a musician or working in a music business capacity, you can contact the MU for confidential advice and support.

More information on the help the MU offers is available. Visit the Musicians Union Harassment & Discrimination page (link opens in new window) or Email the Musicians Union safespace@theMU.org for advice or to make a report (anonymously if preferred). No action will be taken on your behalf without your prior consent.

Help Musicians Bullying & Harassment Helpline

Help Musicians have a helpline that supports those suffering bullying and harassment within the UK music industry

The service is offered to everyone working within the music industry. Callers are able to immediately speak with a specialist bullying and harassment advisor, who undertakes a risk assessment.

In the first instance, the advisor will talk to you about your situation and offer advice on how best to resolve it, pointing you towards services which may be helpful to you. If appropriate, you will receive guidance in approaching a constructive conversation with the other party in order to resolve the issue. This may include preparation advice and coping strategies to use during the more challenging parts of the conversation.

Help Musicians will ensure full anonymity for all callers.

Anyone within the UK music industry experiencing bullying and harassment can call the helpline on 0800 088 2045.

Creative UK Bullying and Harassment E-Learning Module

Creative UK have created an e-learning module that is free to access by anyone.

Here you can find information, advice and support from across the cultural and creative industries that will help you to combat bullying and harassment for good.

Bullying & Harassment – Creative UK (wearecreative.uk)

Further Services

For other services available for performers in the music industry more information and support is available at ism.org and equity.org.uk

If you would like impartial advice on process and procedures for reporting harassment in the workplace please visit acas.org.uk/sexual-harassment

The MU and Incorporated Society of Musicians’ Code of Practice aims to eradicate bullying, harassment and discrimination within the industry and promote a positive working culture. See here.

Around one in four workers are affected by conditions like depression, anxiety and stress every year.

Here are some organisation that work specifically with the music industry to support creatives, crew and executives with their mental health:

British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM): BAPAM are an organisation representing clinical specialists, who deliver expert health and wellbeing services for those working in the performing arts. They can connect you to a mental health professional and offer free training sessions and workshops. The website also features a directory and resources.

Help Musicians’ Music Minds Matter: Help Musicians has a service called Music Minds Matter, which is a free 24/7 helpline. If you work in music and are struggling to cope you can use the service to access an accredited counsellor who will offer emotional support, advice and information. There are also a range of resources available on the website, including videos, a directory, and guides.

Music Industry Therapists Collective (MITC): MITC are a collective of therapists with an abundance of experience of working within and around the music industry in various roles across all sectors. They offer individual, couples and group psychotherapy from registered, insured and highly trained music industry clinicians. They also have a free Guide to Anxiety and Self Isolation, while psychotherapist and ex-booker Tamsin Embleton has written a helpful book, Touring and Mental Health – The Music Industry Manual.

Music Support: Music Support provides help and support to peers who work in music and live events that have been affected by mental ill-health and/or addiction. They promote early intervention through support services, education and workshops. They also have a helpline that’s open Monday – Friday: 09:00 – 17:00..

Tonic Rider: Tonic Rider provide training and support to music industry professionals. They have a bursary for those who may not be able to afford courses. They also have a range of helpful resources on various mental health issues.

PRS Members’ Fund: PRS Members’ Fund can support members with their mental health and wellbeing, through our bespoke partnership with Music Minds Matter. Members of PRS for Music of seven years or more, or £500 in royalty earnings, can access free one-to-one counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy and other services. Just let them know you are a PRS member.

Other: The Musician’s Union have a selection of resources. Visit the Musician’s Union Mental Health Resources page.