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.
