Safeguarding
At PRS we believe the music industry must do more to tackle discrimination, abuse, bullying and harassment.
We believe that everyone has the right to be a part of the creative sector and that it is the responsibility of us all to work to break down barriers. Which is why we want to highlight resources and organisations that can provide vital support.
You can also read about the broader work we are doing and the partnerships we forge, to tackle unfair treatment, behaviours and structures in the industry.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is a term used to denote measures to protect the health, well-being and human rights of individuals, which allow people to live free from abuse, harm and neglect.
The music industry can be a challenging place and certain issues may arise that require professional help and guidance. These issues may include harassment, abuse, bullying, discrimination, and other forms of inappropriate behaviour within the sector.
Should you experience any such issues, the organisations below, although not exhaustive, may help you find a suitable service that has the professional expertise to assist you.
PRS Members’ Fund
Provide’s support and advice to PRS members and their families, who may be struggling financially, physically or emotionally and are in need of help.
Musician’s Union Safe Space Scheme
The MU launched the scheme to provide a safe space for musicians to share instances of sexism, sexual harassment and sexual abuse in the music industry.
musiciansunion.org.uk/safespace
Read M Magazine’s interview with General Secretary for the Musician’s Union, Naomi Pohl: ‘It’s a massive problem with the whole culture of the industry,’ Pohl on Safe Space.
Music Support
Founded in April 2016 by people from inside the UK music industry, it provides help and support for those in or employed by the UK music industry affected by mental ill-health and/or addiction.
Help Musicians
Provides resources to musicians from a wide range of backgrounds and all musical genres.
Music Minds Matter
Help Musicians' dedicated mental health support line and service for the whole UK music community. If you work in music and are struggling to cope, or know someone who is, talk to them. It doesn’t have to be a crisis, or about music.
Additional charities and organisations
Supporting the LGBTQ+ community
Supporting the creation of black music and the songwriting community
Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS): www.acas.org.uk
Brighter Sound: www.brightersound.com
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): www.thecalmzone.net
Ditch the Label: www.ditchthelabel.org
Love Music Hate Racism: www.lovemusichateracism.com/home
Men’s Health Forum: www.menshealthforum.org.uk
Mind: www.mind.org.uk
National Bullying: www.nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk
Post Natal Depression Awareness and Support (PaNDAS): pandasfoundation.org.uk
Rape Crisis: rapecrisis.org.uk
Rethink Mental Illness: www.rethink.org
Samaritans: www.samaritans.org
Switchboard, the LGBT+ Helpline: switchboard.lgbt
Women Connect: www.womenconnect.co
Code of Conduct
We believe that members and staff have the right to be treated in a courteous and respectful manner. This helps us to collaboratively build an inclusive and constructive environment, together.
When you joined PRS you agreed to the Code of Conduct which covers all aspects of PRS for Music membership. It details what you can expect from our service to you. It also sets out the standards of behaviour that PRS for Music and its employees expect of members. Thank you to all members for playing their part in upholding the Code of Conduct.
Musicians’ Union Music Sector Code of Practice
MU created the Music Sector Code of Practice, in partnership with the Incorporated Society Of Musicians (ISM), to tackle and prevent bullying, harassment and discrimination in the music sector.
It sets out principles to help employers meet their legal requirements and presents a shared vision for promoting and maintaining a positive working culture.
PRS for Music is a signatory and supporter of the code.
