The BPI, the association of UK record companies and labels, and the representative voice of British recorded music, today publishes its inaugural Five-Year Strategy for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

Launched to coincide with the end of National Inclusion Week, the document sets out the BPI’s Vision and Strategy to actively promote Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), both within its organisation and in support of the important work taking place across its membership and the wider music industry.

As per its stated Vision, the BPI aspires to develop a diverse workforce for its organisation and the recording industry, one in which individuals can bring and contribute a wide range of lived experience and views as part of an integrated team. The BPI believes in creating environments where people are safe and supported, where they feel they belong, and where there is opportunity for all.

The 20-page document, which opens with forewords by BPI CEO Dr Jo Twist OBE and by the members of the BPI’s Equity and Justice Advisory Group (EJAG), who have also helped shape the strategy, highlights the vital need for collaboration and a collective industry approach, driven by the recognition that true inclusion can only be fully achieved if industry commitment is matched by appropriate resource. It acknowledges the need to build on existing good practice and to dovetail with the UK Music Diversity Taskforce’s original 10 Point Plan and its Five-Ps model for change, where, if desired DEI outcomes are not being achieved, there are interventions around people, policy, partnerships, purchasing and progress to change the status quo.

Hailey Willington, BPI DEI Manager and author of the strategy, said:

“I am delighted that we are publishing this Five-Year DEI Strategy following extensive consultation, and I thank EJAG and everyone that has contributed to it. Embedding diversity in our workforce, equity in our policies and procedures, and inclusion in our industry environments is essential long-term work. We also believe that it is collaborative work. We are committing to sharing our experiences, challenges and best practices with our membership, partners and wider industry as part of our role in embedding inclusive environments across the sector. Whether you are an individual or part of an organisation, large or small, we invite you to collaborate and join us on this journey.”

Paulette Long OBE and Kwame Kwaten, Co-Chairs of BPI Equity and Justice Advisory Group (EJAG) said:

“We recognise inclusion is an ever-changing journey, and as we look to represent and give voice to unheard communities, we will continue to support, advise, challenge and liaise with the BPI on ongoing and future efforts and strategies, so that the UK music industry can be respectfully representative of all communities and individuals. We welcome the BPI’s Five-Year DEI Strategy and are pleased to have contributed to it.”

Dr Jo Twist OBE, BPI Chief Executive, said:

“We believe it essential that everyone who works in music, in whatever capacity and from whichever background, feels valued and is given the opportunity to realise their full potential within it. Our industry will find it hard to be in tune with tomorrow if it does not embrace inclusive practice today, and we hope this Five-Year DEI Strategy will help to give further focus to the important work already taking place at the BPI, across our label members and the wider industry.”

Ammo Talwar – Chair, UK Music Diversity Taskforce said:

“BPI’s five-year plan is an ambitious and aspirational strategy that embodies the kind of action we envision for the industry. When we initially developed the Ten Point Plan and 5Ps Action Plan, our goal was for UK Music members and the wider industry to adopt bold strategies like this. By embedding EDI principles into their organisation, BPI is taking meaningful steps toward creating a more equitable and diverse workplace within the recorded music sector. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have across the industry at large.”

Report content:

• Glossary

• Forewords by Dr Jo Twist OBE and by the BPI Equity and Justice Advisory Group (EJAG);

• Reasons for establishing a Five-Year Strategy;

• An explanation of the BPI’s approach by DEI Manager Hailey Willington;

• A Vision Statement;

• Objectives and (desired) Outcomes;
○ Advocate for and Amplify DEI Work Across the Industry - External DEI Work
○ Lead the Recording Industry by Example – Internal DEI Work
○ Connect and Support our Members – Membership DEI Work

• A review of Where We’ve Been: 2023 Summary Reflection and Where We’re Going: 2024 Action Plan Statement;

• Future Reporting and Invitation to Get Involved