What We Believe

Brownswood is committed to playing our part in helping to create a better music industry and as a result we hope to contribute to supporting a fairer and more equal society. We want to see a world without discrimination of any sort and where every person is able to reach their full potential, and believe we have a part to play in that. We are committed to creating an environment where the artists we partner with are treated with respect, and can develop their careers in a way that doesn't compromise their artistic integrity. We also want all our team, as well as others who work “behind the scenes” to feel safe at work, be paid fairly and get the support they need to develop their own talents.

Black music, which is so magnificent in its scope, is the common thread which links the music that we release together. It is vital that respect for Black people and culture is baked into all our creative decision making, business practices and communication. White team members within our organisation, or who work closely with us, need to be personally committed to the deeper work of understanding their own relationship with white privilege.

We all know that the music industry in which we operate has serious and long entrenched problems. Structural racism, toxic masculinity, few pathways for people from disadvantaged backgrounds, poor mental health, and a lack of boundaries around work / life balance are all rife. We aim to create a space where we try to do things differently. We want to prove another type of industry is possible, where art and culture is properly valued, businesses can operate with transparency and integrity and each person can be their authentic self without fear of discrimination.

Key actions since June 2020

• HR processes and company policies have been greatly improved, with a focus on diversity and inclusion, wellbeing and career progression. We have made sure new roles are advertised widely to ensure broader accessibility.
• Its been a company priority to support the mental health of our team and artists after a few challenging years; training mental health first aiders, and providing tools and resources to help create better resilience. We have committed resources into the following mental health support: All company employees have access to a 24 hour support line where talking therapy and NLP is available, and access to specialist wellbeing aps of the team members choosing. We provide regular “check ins” both as a team and one to one. We recognise that Black (and other historically marginalised) team members and artists face unique challenges in the music industry and we are committed to maintaining an open dialogue and finding ways that the company can support all experiences.
• Anti-Racism training has been provided for all White and Non-Black People of Colour across Brownswood and Future Bubblers. The company now has an annual budget for diversity training.
• Team members have been provided with an annual “reading budget” to support further independent Anti-Racism learning and personal reflection.
• Brownswood’s team have campaigned for practices that create a more diverse and equitable industry, beyond our own organisation and highlighted various campaigns and initiative on our social media platforms.
• All team members will receive a personalised training plan, and support in achieving their career goals. Additional training budgets will be given to all Black and female team members to help create a more equitable music industry.
• All team members are encouraged to volunteer time to help others as part of their job.
• We will explore how we can support the development of Black female leadership in the wider industry, particularly via a new industry facing programme from Future Bubblers.
• We will continue to strive to reflect the diverse multicultural communities that we live and operate in, in our staffing, roster and in our event programming, as well as striving for a 50% / 50% gender balance across all these areas.
• Senior leadership will review and report back on the progress on the above points, and are responsible & accountable for making these actions happen.