Association of British Orchestras

ABO Welcomes Launch of Sexual Harassment Toolkit for Orchestras

The Association of British Orchestras (ABO) today welcomes the launch of a new toolkit to support orchestra managers and those with HR responsibilities to prevent sexual harassment in the music industry, developed by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and the Independent Society of Musicians (ISM).

The ABO has supported the development of the toolkit as part of a reference group of key sector organisations, alongside the Musicians’ Union, Orchestras Live, Black Lives in Music, the F List and Parents and Carers in Performing Arts. A range of UK orchestras have also been part of the consultation process.

Judith Webster, ABO CEO, said: “We are pleased to have been able to support the development of this important resource for UK orchestras. This is part of the range of positive action the ABO and the wider music industry is taking in tackling workplace standards in the sector. Sexual harassment and discrimination of any kind has no place in music or in the workplace. The ABO continues to work with our partners across classical music and the wider music industry in our drive for positive culture change.”

The toolkit outlines the law on sexual harassment and provides clear advice on steps orchestras should take to prevent sexual harassment.

See the full toolkit here.

Annual Conference

The next ABO conference will take place in Gateshead,
hosted by The Glasshouse ICM, from 5-7 February 2025.