The plan is designed to be sufficiently flexible to enable orchestras and choirs with different employment models to address traditional challenges of fair recruitment and to share an understanding of best practice, with the specific objective of workforce development and nurturing an inclusive culture in orchestras and choirs.

In 2024 (Year 1) 33 orchestras and choirs (see below) committed to the 10-point plan coming together with a shared purpose: to address systemic barriers to equitable recruitment. Through open discussion, reflection and action, they trialled:

• Screened early round auditions
• Inclusivity training for recruitment panels
• Anonymised application processes
• More regular open calls for extras and deputies
• Streamlined trial processes
• Robust records of auditions and decisions with defined scoring framework
• Inclusion of impartial external members on audition panels

These collective efforts reflect a sector-wide commitment to levelling the playing field for all musicians.

Year 2

Building on the momentum and insights gained from Year 1, the ABO, MU and BliM have launched the Year 2 programme for 2025, deepening our collective commitment to fostering a more inclusive, equitable and representative music industry.

We welcome expressions of interest from orchestras and choirs who share these values and are committed to meaningful change to join us in this work.

What’s happening in Year 2?

• more bespoke training packages for orchestral management and musicians. These sessions aim to empower individuals to share knowledge and embed inclusive practices within their own organisations, ensuring these values reach every part of the orchestral and choral ecosystem

• support sessions that provide space for participant organisations and musicians to reflect on their learning, share challenges and successes and contribute feedback.

To remove financial barriers to participation, training will be fully funded by ABO, BLiM and the MU. Freelance musicians may also apply to the MU for additional support to cover loss of earnings and other costs, ensuring equitable access for all. All participating orchestras will be mailed the dates for Year 2.

The organisations below have already committed to following the 10-point plan for inclusive recruitment:

Academy of St Martin in the Fields, Aurora Orchestra, Bath Philharmonia, BBC Concert Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, BBC Singers, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Britten Sinfonia, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, English National Ballet, Glyndebourne Sinfonia, The Hallé, Hebrides Ensemble, London Mozart Players, London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Sinfonietta, Manchester Camerata, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House (Royal Ballet and Opera), Philharmonia Orchestra, Red Note Ensemble, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Scottish Ensemble, Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, Sinfonia Viva, Sinfonia Smith Square (formerly Southbank Sinfonia), Ulster Orchestra, Welsh National Opera.