Equality, diversity and inclusion: PPL drives forward agenda for positive change
Last year, PPL committed to strengthening and furthering its commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Since then, a number of initiatives have been implemented in collaboration with both PPL employees and with the wider industry, including the creation of an internal Diversity Forum, changes to recruitment practices, and a review of employee training to name a few. This commitment continues in 2021 and, below, you can find a summary of some of PPL’s latest initiatives in this area.
Fostering a more inclusive working environment
PPL’s Diversity Forum comprises 28 employees, is co-chaired by five employees, and has the remit to suggest ideas and ensure that internal processes and opportunities are transparent and can be challenged where the Forum believes that improvements can be made. The Forum has established a number of Working Groups to facilitate discussion and debate and where identified, to prompt change on a range of important topics including Training and Development, Support, and Recruitment. A new Hub has also been created online, offering access to useful resources, reading materials and activities to support employees’ understanding of diversity, equality and inclusion. Throughout the month of February, PPL recognised LGBT+ History Month, hosting listening parties to celebrate some of the LGBT+ community’s much-loved musicians.
Supporting the next generation of industry professionals
Through the Government’s Kickstart Scheme, PPL will be offering work placements within the company for nine young people aged 16-24 years old. The Scheme is part of the Government’s commitment to helping those who are at risk of long-term unemployment and are currently claiming benefits. The placements, which will be available across four departments within PPL, will last six months each and will see individuals trained in a wide range of skills. PPL was one of many music companies to receive funding to support this initiative via a UK Music bid, made to facilitate the creation of more than 80 placements within the music industry.
As part of PPL’s collaboration with music charities, the company has also welcomed the opportunity to “sponsor a shoot” via Small Green Shoots. Natalie Wade, Founder of the youth-led charity which seeks to deliver education, training and entry-level roles in music, addressed PPL employees to explain more about the purpose and ambition of the organisation and the work being done to create meaningful employment opportunities for young people (or “shoots”).
Furthermore, PPL has recently partnered with The Cat’s Mother – a network of hard-working, established women in the music and creative industries offering voluntary consultancy for aspiring young women, aged 18-25 from low-income backgrounds. It is their mission to provide young women with knowledge, confidence and support, matching them with their Cat’s Mothers (mentors) for informal 30-minute meetings that aim to expand the knowledge base of the young women with an aim to significantly broaden their opportunities.
PPL joins BPI, Capital XTRA, Concord Music Publishing, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), First Access Entertainment, Island Records, Ministry of Sound, PRS Foundation, Sony ATV, and The BRIT Awards in supporting the initiative. The partnership got off to a positive start on International Women’s Day where PPL co-hosted an online event with speakers from Spotify and CAA for Arts and Festival Management students at Leicester’s De Montfort University.
