AIM Launches Free Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Training Programme To Accelerate Change In The Music Industry

24 May 2021 - Press release

The ground-breaking 'EDI Level-Up Programme' will support independent businesses to break down barriers 

Led by diversity and inclusion experts Arit Eminue and Vick Bain 

 

The Association of Independent Music (AIM), the non-profit trade body representing the UK's independent music sector, is supporting its membership and the thousands of people working in its community by launching a full Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Training Programme named 'EDI Level-Up', led by expert diversity consultants Arit Eminue and Vick Bain. 

Working towards a fair music industry is at the core of AIM's mission. EDI Level-Up is a carefully curated programme which will break down barriers, and help participants create work environments where 'Conscious Inclusion' is embedded into their businesses.  

Running a small business in music is extremely challenging. Even with the best intentions, it can be difficult for business owners to implement change without specialist advice which can be difficult to find and expensive.  

This digital training is one of the ways AIM is working with its members to develop equitable access to knowledge, skills and assistance for everyone to reach their full potential. This series forms part of the fulfilment of the increased set of commitments to social justice, and anti-racism in particular, made by AIM in the wake of the tragic events of last summer and its reflections from the impactful 'Show Must Be Paused' campaign and Black-Out Tuesday.  

The full programme consists of seven sessions in total, five of which form a 'core curriculum' which should be attended by everybody, and which will be made available for free to ensure everyone is included. Two additional sessions are being offered to senior execs and leaders from the AIM community to address the specific challenges of implementing positive change in difficult circumstances. 

The five 'core curriculum' sessions help identify and challenge biases, and empower people to discuss race and ethnicity and how it fits into the wider context of the music industry. Members will then learn about legislation and how to implement 'Conscious Inclusion,' with practical solutions on how to deal with discrimination, prejudice and harassment in the workplace and how to get started with diversifying recruitment.  

The two additional sessions for industry leaders are essential for decision-makers who want to make a positive change in their companies. Attendees will be given the tools to have difficult conversations and deal effectively with situations that may arise.  

 

The full programme: 

Core Curriculum 

Weds 16 June 2021 - Unconscious Bias (Free) 

Weds 8 September 2021 - Let's Talk About Race (Free) 

Weds 6 October 2021 - Foundations of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (Free) 

Weds 1 December 2021 - Dignity at Work (Free) 

Weds 9 February 2022 - Recruitment and Inclusive Workplace (Free) 

 

Additional Sessions For Leaders 

Weds 10 November 2021 - Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for Leaders 

Weds 9 March 2022 - Dignity at Work for Leaders 

 

Award-winning entrepreneur and founder of recruitment and training organisation DiVA, Arit Eminue, and Vick Bain, Diversity and inclusion consultant and campaigner will deliver the events.  

AIM members can find more information and sign up here. 

Paul Pacifico, CEO, Association of Independent Music said: "The independent community is founded on the principle that all voices should be heard and respected. AIM has campaigned for many years on multiple aspects of social justice and inclusion. These sessions come from our acknowledgement that we cannot ever rest on our laurels and that we need to do more to ensure an ever more equitable, diverse and inclusive independent music community." 

Arit Eminue, Director, DiVA Apprenticeships, said: "Creating working environments where staff from all backgrounds can thrive is a win-win for business and talent. I hope these training sessions will support teams at all levels to implement actions within their sphere of influence that will contribute towards a more inclusive working environment." 

Vick Bain, Founder of the F List for Music, said: "Independent record labels are the foundation of the music industry, developing talent, investing in musicians' careers with their time, energy and money. It is therefore vitally important those labels are switched onto the benefits of diversity and inclusion and it's hugely reassuring that AIM have facilitated these training sessions for their members. A more diverse music industry is not only morally the right thing to do it is better for business and will result in more creativity and brilliant music in the years to come."