Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access

Lewisham Music has been named as a Youth Music IDEA champion 2024.

We have recently completed a year-long Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) learning programme, taking action to improve our IDEA practices, and have shown commitment to long-term change.

The IDEA framework

Music should be Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable, and Accessible. These principles are called ‘IDEA’ for short. The IDEA framework breaks down how we can make that happen. Its action-focused approach gives you a road-map to realise your IDEA ambitions. It’s designed to ensure the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity and access are considered across all areas of strategy, culture and operations. You can find out more about IDEA on Youth Music’s website by clicking the button below.

 

“Lewisham Music is committed to our own organisational development, ensuring that our offer stays fresh, relevant, and high-quality. We believe that to achieve the best outcomes for the young people and communities we work with, we should constantly be reviewing, improving, and expanding our offer in a way which is equitable and sustainable.”

 

Before we joined the IDEA programme

Before we joined the IDEA programme, it’s fair to say that we already saw how Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility had been central in driving positive change in the charity in recent years.

This included a needs analysis, a series of independent evaluation reviews, workforce consultation and training, the appointment of a Tutor Diversity Ambassador, recruitment of four paid Young Producers, the development of targeted provision for displaced and care experienced children, and programmes of youth voice and co-produced activity shaped by young people.

 

IDEA case study

Lewisham Music’s CEO, Charly Richardson took a look back over our IDEA programme journey, starting with where we were and what we wanted to achieve, then looking at what we did, followed by what the outcomes were and what we’ve learnt. Please have a read of the case study by clicking the link below.

Useful links