Education & Best Practice

The code of practice has been developed through years of Master’s and PhD research undertaken by Rachel Jepson. 

• Accountability for anyone working in the music industry for their own mental health and the mental health of others, taking responsibility for their actions towards others and the language they use that may be abusive or cause offense to others.
• A pledge from all music industry community members to continue talking about positive change for mental health and the music industry and how both individuals and organizations can achieve this together.
• Anyone in a management role must have knowledge of mental health services and be equipped to signpost to dedicated services.
• Music Industry community members to have knowledge of where to go if they needed to talk about their mental health or report unacceptable behaviour or treatment from other music industry community members and or organisations.
• That all music industry workplaces adhere to this code of practice whereby there is a culture of kindness, collaboration, sharing mental health experiences where appropriate, and listening to others when they are struggling without fear of repercussions on their career.
• Both Organisations and individuals to endeavour to create a monthly peer support group with other music industry community members, or use an existing provider for this, either online or face to face.
• Mentoring schemes for freelancers to be made available to all.
• Access to online services for mental health, such as peer support, and training for people who are lone-working
• Training courses, both face-to-face and online, are made available to all in the music industry, and every music industry community member must be able to prove that they have taken part in training regarding mental health and the music industry. There will be mandatory training and discussion on managing social media, physical disability, neurodivergence, discrimination, harassment, and other issues contributing to poor mental health in the music industry.
• There will ideally be two dedicated members of staff to go to within an organisation, trained in basic counselling skills, who people can go to if they feel they are being harassed, bullied or discriminated against because of gender, race, and anything deemed harassment. ‘Bad’ behaviour (for example, sexual harassment or bullying) will not be tolerated and accepted based on whether someone is well known and brings in punters, students, or anyone else for monetary gain.
• Music courses of all levels must endeavor to include mental health and the music industry in their curriculum so that students are prepared for pitfalls, educated on neurodivergence, how to support themselves and others, and alternative ways to have a music career outside of the usual taught paths to success.
• People who are new to the industry must be provided with, or have access to a list of services, courses and provisions available to support mental health in the music industry. This will be available online, by managers to new staff, and also provided on contract signings a common practice alongside legal obligations etc. Depending on the age of the ‘new starter’, parents or carers will also be encouraged to learn about the industry and what to expect.
• Somebody trained in mental health in the music industry must be present at any contract signings with musicians and other music industry members to signpost and discuss any issues that may arise for the person in question.
• Anyone who is working one on one or in small groups with young or vulnerable musicians, artists and other music industry roles must be DBS checked.
• Music venues, including rehearsal rooms and recording studios, will work to try and provide safe spaces, alcohol and substance-free space that is clean and quiet for bands, artists, and anyone involved in the crew to go to. This space can also be used for parents who due to their circumstances, needed to bring their babies or children on tour.
• Music venues, including rehearsal rooms and recording studios will provide adequate lighting, CCTV and access for users to feel safe where possible.
• Music venues, including rehearsal rooms and recording studios, will try and provide access and seating for anyone with a disability.
• Venues and/or promoters will endeavour to pay all Bands and Artists with money for each gig they play.
• All management companies and record labels within their budget, will provide mental health provisions to all artists and staff if needed and ensure there is a provision to signpost to, whether face to face, by telephone and online for when artists are touring or performing at festivals.
• Talking therapy to be made available to all in the music industry. Where possible, organizations will find a budget for a minimum of 6-8 sessions per staff member