The goal is to use the Race at Work Charter as a framework within which we can address race equality issues in a broad and inclusive manner. The 7 action points in the Charter will be used as a structure to enable us to progress the agenda on race equality and make progress in addressing relevant issues relating to our colleagues.

Some key issues to be covered by the Network will include:

• Understanding and celebrating race and ethnicity (including organisation of Black History Month activities)
• Recruitment, hiring and interviewing processes
• Mentoring/shadowing and work experiences
• Supporting employee progression for people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds
• Investigating and addressing issues around racial bullying and harassment

The Network is open to all MPA Member employees, including those working at the MPA who identify as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic. It is also open to allies.

The Network is hosted on Microsoft Teams, where members can have conversations on Channels, share files and resources and host meetings online. The DEI (Diversity, Equality and Inclusion) Team are on hand to help, and take forward any issues raised by the Network.

The Microsoft Teams site is a private group and, though there is some degree of visibility when you join (other members can see who you are), we request that members maintain strict confidentiality about its membership and contents.

Our MPA Respect Employee Network is focused on race and ethnicity. The vision for our sector is to ensure the true representation of Black, Asian and minority ethnic individuals at all levels of the business, especially at senior management and executive levels.

Our Respect Employee Network will be a safe place for members to discuss topics, share best practices, share experiences and concerns, celebrate events, raise awareness on race and ethnicity matters and provide feedback to the MPA Head of DEI and the Champion of Respect. All of this engagement and input will help the MPA positively influence the Music Publishing Sector’s awareness and strategies to ensure a safe, welcoming, well-maintained and inclusive industry in which to work.

This Network is supported by the MPA DEI team, but it is not our Network: it is yours. We hope that the Network will be led by you for you. We are gathering ideas on how members want to run the Network and what you want to get out of it. Colleagues will have the opportunity to contribute in various ways: for example, through Team Meetings online, Channel discussions via Teams, by email or phone.