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IMPALA publishes its first diversity and inclusion report
By Andy Malt | Published on Friday 22 October 2021
IMPALA – the pan-European organisation for the independent music community – has published its first annual report on diversity and inclusion, a year on from the publication of its diversity and inclusion charter, which was launched last October.
Outlining its own efforts and achievements in relation to diversity and inclusion over the last twelve months, IMPALA lists various initiatives, including: offering diversity and inclusion training for its members, launching its #20MinutesWith podcast, launching a diversity and inclusion survey, and appointing diversity advocates on its committees. The report also notes that there are no ‘one size fits all’ solutions to tackling diversity challenges across the whole of Europe and that, therefore, it has “relied upon national associations to advise us on their priorities”.
Keith Harris, who is an adviser to IMPALA’s diversity task force, says of the report: “This first annual report outlining the measures that have been undertaken over the last fifteen months or so shows that there is a serious wish to make sure that the measures taken are irreversible, and that IMPALA members across the board have bought into them”.
“If I have one small area of concern, it is that many of the measures proposed, and implemented, are mainly gender focused”, he goes on. “This is a much easier conversation to have than one about disadvantages due to ethnicity, but I am confident that IMPALA will not shy away from those difficult conversations and solutions over the coming years”.
Also, IMPALA’s Executive Chair Helen Smith adds: “As an organisation, IMPALA has defined itself through its work to promote cultural diversity and access to market for members irrespective of size, origin or type of music. Last year, we adopted a more structured approach on diversity and inclusion, and we know we have a long way to go to achieve systemic change in the sector. This report is part of a process of being transparent about progress. Our task force will take on board Keith’s recommendations over the next twelve months”.
You can download and read the full report here.
