Select Committee · Women and Equalities Committee

Misogyny in music

Status: Closed Opened: 9 Jun 2022 Closed: 28 May 2024 27 recommendations 6 conclusions 1 report

In recent years, news reports and some studies have brought to the forefront the extent to which misogyny exists in the music industry. This inquiry aims to examine what misogynistic attitudes exist in the industry and why. It aims to uncover, in more detail, how these attitudes can filter through to society, impacting attitudes towards …

Clear

Reports

1 report
Title HC No. Published Items Response
2nd Report - Misogyny in music HC 129 30 Jan 2024 33 Responded

Recommendations & Conclusions

4 items
10 Conclusion 2nd Report - Misogyny in music Deferred

Freelance music industry workers lack adequate Equality Act discrimination protections; Government inaction persists.

Freelance workers in the music industry are more likely to be discriminated against yet in many cases do not have the same level of protections under equalities legislation as those subject to more formal working relations. The Government recognises this, as it does the benefits of extending the time limit …

Government response. The government deflected by highlighting the industry-led Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) as the mechanism for establishing safe and inclusive workplaces, rather than committing to the recommended legislative changes for freelance workers' protections and extended tribunal time limits.
Government Equalities Office
12 Recommendation 2nd Report - Misogyny in music Deferred

Stipulate clear, independent internal reporting pathways for harassment within OfS guidance for educational settings.

We support the Office for Students’ proposed new condition of registration aimed at protecting students from harassment and sexual misconduct. Its effectiveness will depend, in part, on students and staff feeling both able to recognise and report misconduct and that any complaints will be taken seriously. OfS guidance should stipulate …

Government response. The government welcomes the Office for Students' proposed new registration condition and national survey, stating it looks forward to the outcomes of the public consultation and pilot survey, which will form the foundation for all future work on this issue.
Government Equalities Office
13 Recommendation 2nd Report - Misogyny in music Deferred

Mandate educational settings to ensure staff awareness of harassment policies and conduct background checks.

The OfS should also require educational settings to ensure that all staff, permanent, temporary and those visiting, are aware of policies around abuse and harassment, including the consequences of inappropriate behaviour. People invited to teach students should undergo background and reference checks and be in no doubt of expectations with …

Government response. The Department for Education welcomes the recommendation but states that it is a matter for the Office for Students.
Government Equalities Office
24 Recommendation 2nd Report - Misogyny in music Deferred

Support the creation of CIISA and ensure robust safeguarding and legal advice for reporters.

We support the creation of the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA). It will help to shine a light on unacceptable behaviour in the music industry and in doing so, may reduce the risk of further harm. Crucially, it will be a single, recognisable body anyone in the industry can …

Government response. The government redirects the specific recommendations for CIISA, such as advising legal rights and implementing robust safeguarding, to CIISA itself, stating these are matters for the Authority to consider. It also details the Solicitors Regulation Authority's guidance on NDAs.
Government Equalities Office

Oral evidence sessions

9 sessions
Date Witnesses
24 Apr 2024 Andrew Medlock · CIISA, David Smy · Office for Students, Jen Smith · CIISA View ↗
13 Sep 2023 Annie Macmanus, Rebecca Ferguson View ↗
18 Jul 2023 Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale MP · Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Victoria MacCallum · Department for Culture, Media and Sport View ↗
28 Jun 2023 Isabel Garvey · Warner Music UK, Jessica Carsen · Sony Music UK, Natasha Mann · Universal Music UK View ↗
24 May 2023 John Shortell · Musician's Union, Lauren Down · End of Road Festival, Marta Pallares Olivares · Primavera Sound Festival View ↗
19 Apr 2023 Deborah Annetts · Independent Society of Musicians, Jamie Njoku-Goodwin · UK Music, Jen Smith · CIISA, YolanDa Brown OBE DL · British Phonographic Industry View ↗
8 Feb 2023 Melinda Kelly · Safe Gigs for Women, Nadia Khan · Women in CTRL, Vanessa Threadgold · Cactus City Studio, Vick Bain · F-List View ↗
26 Oct 2022 Charisse Beaumont · Black Lives in Music, Dr Cassandra Jones · University of Northumbria, Dr Nicola Puckey · University of Winchester, Dr Rosemary Hill · University of Huddersfield View ↗
14 Sep 2022 Charisse Beaumont · Black Lives in Music, Dr Cassandra Jones · University of Northumbria, Dr Nicola Puckey · University of Winchester, Dr Rosemary Hill · University of Huddersfield View ↗

Correspondence

2 letters
DateDirectionTitle
6 Mar 2024 Correspondence from Minister for Media, Tourism and Creative Industries on Miso…
7 Feb 2024 Correspondence to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, relating to …