IMPALA has released its second Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) survey alongside a new digital toolkit, designed to help independent music companies across Europe measure and improve their diversity practices.
The launch on 30 April 2026 coincides with the start of European Diversity Month. The survey aims to capture a snapshot of how the independent sector handles EDI, the main obstacles it encounters, and how businesses and trade associations evaluate their own diversity. It also gathers examples of best practices, local initiatives and projects in the field.
Toolkit and Training Platform
The survey is embedded in a broader EDI Toolkit developed with support from an EU grant for recognised cultural networks. Alongside the survey, the toolkit contains a self-assessment tool and a training platform built specifically for the independent music industry. Participants receive personalised recommendations based on their results, including training suggestions, case studies and step-by-step guidance on driving positive change. Organisations can measure and benchmark their progress over time.
The resource is confidential, accessible and designed for entities of all sizes, from self-releasing artists to small and medium-sized labels. It was initially tested as a closed pilot and is now available as a beta version, with continuous refinement planned over the coming years.
Key Features
The toolkit feeds into the 12 commitments outlined in IMPALA’s EDI charter. Its core elements include:
- Regular measurement of the sector’s diversity across Europe
- Free EDI training for IMPALA members
- Mapping of EDI best practice examples throughout the independent music community
The resulting data is intended to lay the groundwork for deeper analysis, case studies and recommendations that can accelerate progress across the sector.
Taskforce and Developer Perspectives
Eva Karman Reinhold, co-chair of IMPALA’s EDI taskforce and chair at SOM, said the integrated survey and toolkit offer members concrete guidance on bringing about positive change step by step, in ways that suit their organisations and the wider sector.
“The equity, diversity and inclusion survey integrated in the EDI toolkit for the independent music sector is more than just a survey! Combined with the self-assessment tool, recommendations, training and case studies, it offers members concrete guidance on how they can bring about positive change. Step by step, in ways that work for their organisations and for the wider sector.”
Gee Davy, taskforce co-chair and chief executive at AIM UK, added that the survey and toolkit turn intention into action, providing insight to direct activities and targeted knowledge for music businesses of all shapes and sizes.
“IMPALA’s EDI survey and toolkit are both important in turning intention into action. The survey gives us the necessary insight to direct our activities and understand where more work is needed, while the toolkit provides targeted knowledge and guidance for music businesses of all shapes and sizes. Built on expertise, community learnings and effective programmes, these help us all towards a more truly diverse, inclusive, and representative independent music sector.”
Nastasja Prévost, IMPALA’s membership and project coordinator, noted that the idea originated in the EDI taskforce and has now become a concrete toolkit supported by the EU network grant. She encouraged all independent labels to take part in the survey.
Vick Bain, who co-developed the toolkit and created the embedded EDI training platform, stressed the need for sector-specific training. The platform, called The Music Culture Creator, draws on research and over two decades of experience, combining structural insights with practical application. It delivers content in short, focused modules that allow participants to learn at their own pace and apply knowledge immediately.
Andrew Lansley, co-designer of the toolkit and developer of the self-assessment tool, said the combination of assessment, benchmarking and training gives organisations clear, actionable support, helping them focus on areas where change will have the greatest impact.
“By combining assessment, benchmarking, and training, the toolkit offers organisations clear, actionable support – helping them focus on areas where change will have the greatest impact. This tool is world leading and I am proud to champion this essential work.”
Dr Leona Vaughn of Music Futures/University of Liverpool said the initiative could encourage both independent labels and the wider music sector to maintain focus on major challenges for the music ecosystem, especially during periods of fast-paced change and innovation: proactive leadership for addressing exclusion and inequality, making the sector inclusive at all levels, and approaching EDI as good for business and the economy.
IMPALA Background
IMPALA was founded in 2000 and now represents over 6,000 independent music companies in Europe. Small, micro and medium-sized businesses and self-releasing artists account for 99% of Europe’s music companies. These independents produce more than 80% of all new releases and sustain 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. The association runs various award schemes and a strategic partnership programme called Friends of IMPALA.
