IMPALA LAUNCHES PILOT FOR ANEW TOOLKIT TO PROMOTE EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN THE INDEPENDENT MUSIC SECTOR

IMPALA LAUNCHES PILOT FOR A NEW TOOLKIT TO PROMOTE EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN THE INDEPENDENT MUSIC SECTOR

Brussels, 30th September 2025

IMPALA today launches the pilot version of its new Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Toolkit, developed with support from its EU network grant. The toolkit combines a self-assessment tool, a training platform and IMPALA’s EDI survey into one integrated framework designed specifically for the independent music sector.

The toolkit is confidential, accessible, and tailored to companies of all sizes across the independent sector, from self-releasing artists to small and medium-sized labels. It is being introduced as a closed pilot, reserved for IMPALA members, with the initial period dedicated to feedback gathering and fine-tuning.

Key features of the toolkit include:

Self-assessment tool to help members track progress and generate comprehensive reports, with user feedback feeding into future improvements.
Online training platform with sector-specific courses such as Why Inclusion Matters in Music, Barriers to Inclusion in Music, and Inclusive Practice & Leadership. Each course combines factual material, case studies, videos, quizzes and assignments, with certificates awarded to participants who complete the programme. Access to these courses is offered free of charge to all IMPALA members, thanks to the association’s EU network grant.
Survey with clear and unbiased questions on various aspects of EDI, highlighting key findings, trends, and case studies of successful initiatives.

IMPALA’s project coordinator Nastasja Prévost added: “Equity, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of IMPALA’s mission. Our board underlined this earlier this year, stressing the need to step up our work at a time when EDI is being deprioritised elsewhere. We agreed that IMPALA should lead by example, with new targets for the association and practical tools for our members. This toolkit delivers on that commitment – giving our community a clear way to measure progress and access support”

IMPALA’s Taskforce co-chair and chair at SOM Eva Karman Reinhold commented: “This toolkit is a significant step for our sector. The introduction in the form of a pilot project means that we can build it together with our members and make sure that it works in practice. It gives companies of all sizes a way to measure their impact and utilise resources tailored to their needs, while also strengthening IMPALA’s collective commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.”

Vick Bain, who developed the training platform, noted: “The toolkit brings together practical training and self-assessment in one place. Members can see where they stand, identify priority areas, and access sector-specific courses and resources linked directly to their results.”

Andrew Lansley, who designed the self-assessment tool, added: “By combining assessment, benchmarking, and training, the toolkit offers organisations clear, actionable support – helping them focus on the areas where change will have the greatest impact.”

The toolkit will also feed into IMPALA’s annual EDI reporting, providing analysis, case studies, and recommendations to support progress across the sector.

About IMPALA

IMPALA was established in 2000 and now represents over 6000 independent music companies in Europe. 99% of Europe’s music companies are small, micro and medium businesses and self-releasing artists. Known as the independents, they are world leaders in terms of innovation and discovering new music and artists – they produce more than 80% of all new releases and account for 80% of the sector’s jobs. IMPALA’s mission is to grow the independent music sector sustainably, return more value to artists, promote diversity and entrepreneurship, improve political access, inspire change, and increase access to finance. IMPALA works on a range of key issues for its members and started a new co-funded work programme as an EU cultural network in 2025. IMPALA runs various award schemes and has a programme aimed at businesses who want to develop a strategic relationship with the European independent sector – Friends of IMPALA

IMPALA – Independent Music Companies Association

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