This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Business News Labels & Publishers
IMPALA launches Diversity And Inclusion Charter
By Chris Cooke | Published on Wednesday 21 October 2020
Pan-European indie label trade group IMPALA has launched a Diversity And Inclusion Charter which will impact on the organisation’s own operations and committees, and also see the group seek to help its members better champion diversity and inclusion.
Inspired by the Black Out Tuesday initiative, the charter has been put together by a specific diversity taskforce. And IMPALA says that, although it has had diversity initiatives before, the new charter “marks a more comprehensive and structured approach”.
The charter includes commitments to measure diversity in the independent music sector; map and share best practice across Europe; appoint diversity advocates for all IMPALA boards and committees; produce guidance and practical advice for members; seek EU funding for diversity initiatives; and to provide members with free bi-annual conscious inclusion training.
Commenting on the charter, Eva Karman Reinhold – chair of Swedish indie label association SOM and co-chair of the diversity task force – says: “Associations play an important role in shaping the climate of the music sector. IMPALA’s action plan for positive change in terms of diversity and inclusion is designed to also support its members in that same aim. I believe this will be particularly helpful for independent associations, working to strengthen big and smaller music companies across Europe”.
Meanwhile, artist manager Keith Harris, who advised the taskforce, adds: “It’s been incredibly encouraging to witness the commitment to diversity and inclusion for the long term that has been put into place by IMPALA. I am proud to have been included in their team to help drive their change agenda forward”.
And finally, Helen Smith, IMPALA’s Executive Chair, states: “Inspiring change is a vital part of IMPALA’s mission and this is what our charter seeks to achieve. Very much a European approach, we have focused on fundamental rights within a broad and pragmatic package which can be rolled out on a voluntary basis and adapted to each country. Keith Harris’s input has been invaluable and our ongoing collaboration will help us measure and adjust as we proceed, to ensure we achieve structural and lasting change”.
