About Us
The MPA works on behalf of its wide-ranging membership to protect and enhance the rights of the music publishers and creators at the heart of British music’s extraordinary cultural and economic success story. We protect and enhance the rights of music publishers and creators, and we're committed to making the industry more equitable, representative and inclusive.
The MPA also owns and operates two subsidiary businesses MCPS and PMLL (together known as The MPA Group).
The Role
This is a high-profile, externally facing role with real influence. The Head of DEI will own and drive the MPA’s external-facing DEI strategy for the benefit of the music publishing industry - working with members, industry partners, Government bodies, and the UK Music Diversity Taskforce. Internally, the post-holder will act as a subject matter expert to the HR Director, ensuring alignment between the MPA’s external DEI strategy and its internal people practices, culture and policies.
What You'll Do
Strategy and Industry Leadership
- Evolve and deliver the DEI strategy in line with Board and DEI Committee direction, setting clear outcomes and KPIs to drive meaningful, measurable progress across the music publishing industry
- Lead a data-driven baseline analysis of the DEI landscape within music publishing, using findings to inform strategy and provide the foundation for measuring progress against agreed targets
- Prepare monthly updates for MPA member newsletters and blogs, and present progress reports to the MPA Board and relevant committees
- Maintain up-to-date awareness and best practice across every protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, ensuring the MPA and its members remain informed and ahead of developments
Programmes and Initiatives
- Take ownership of the MPA's established DEI programmes - including the NXT-Gen Scholars annual programme - ensuring their continued development, quality and impact
- Maintain and facilitate the DEI Employee Networks, ensuring meetings are purposeful, inclusive and connected to the broader strategy
- Lead and deliver DEI training across the MPA Group, designing and facilitating sessions for staff, Boards and Committees through in-person workshops, specialist guides and digital content
- Design and administer annual DEI surveys to monitor progress against agreed targets and inform strategic decision-making
Member Engagement and External Relations
- Engage, influence and advise MPA member companies on strategies to improve DEI, travelling to meet publishers across the UK as required
- Work collaboratively with UK Music and partner organisations across the broader music and creative industries to influence and support sector-wide DEI initiatives
- Contribute to the MPA's engagement with Government and national bodies on DEI policy, influencing outcomes and keeping abreast of best practice
- Attend social and evening engagements in support of the MPA's DEI work, representing the organisation with confidence across a range of industry settings
Data, Insight and Governance
- Lead an ongoing programme of DEI data collection and analysis, maintaining a governance framework that tracks commitments, measures impact and communicates progress transparently to members and stakeholders
About You
We're looking for an experienced, evidence-led DEI leader who combines strategic vision with hands-on delivery, and who builds collaborative relationships as readily as they challenge systems.
You'll bring:
- Significant experience leading DEI strategy in complex, multi-stakeholder environments - including membership organisations, external partners and governance bodies
- A track record of moving organisations from intent to measurable impact, with the confidence to challenge power structures, hold difficult conversations and navigate competing interests with integrity
- Proven ability to apply an intersectional framework to programme design and data analysis
- Strong working knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 and equalities law, with experience addressing systemic barriers rather than surface-level metrics
- Exceptional influencing skills and the ability to build trust and engage at Board, Government and industry level
- Proven track record delivering complex, concurrent programmes with strong project management and prioritisation skills
- Experience working with data and people analytics to measure and communicate impact
Desirable:
- Experience within music, media, another creative industry, or a membership/trade body environment
- Familiarity with the UK Music Workforce Diversity Survey and sector-specific DEI frameworks
Package
- Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
- 28 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Pension contribution
- Critical Illness and Income Protection Insurance
- Death in Service benefit (after 2 years)
- Hybrid working model
Our Commitment
We are committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the creators and communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout our recruitment process - please let us know what you need and we will work with you.
