Taking place every two years, this is the 41st MU Delegate Conference. Photo: ©The MU.
The MU Delegate Conference is an important part of our Union’s democracy. Held every two years, it is an exciting event that gives members the chance to produce new MU policy, guide the future work of the MU, engage in debate on the issues that matter to them most and ensure that the MU is working for all members, all of the time. This year’s conference - the largest attended in our history - takes place in Liverpool, 22 - 23 July.
The first day of MU Delegate Conference 2025 opened with two speeches from General Secretary Naomi Pohl, and Chair of the Executive Committee (EC), Alex Gascoine.
Naomi confirmed that membership was now over 36,000, and highlighted the work of the MU Members’ Assembly which met for the first time in 2024. She also celebrated the news of the Union’s new Climate Emergency Action Group, our Freelance ShoutOut campaign, and the ongoing fight on major industrial and political issues like music streaming, artificial intelligence and EU touring.
You can read Alex’s speech in full here.
Industry guests and allies
Delegates and staff were also joined by a range of industry guests, including two former MU General Secretaries, Denis Scard and John Smith. Other attendees included:
Conference also welcomed representatives from other industry partners the MU works with, including the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM); Help Musicians UK; Morrish Solicitors; PRS for Music and the University of Liverpool.
Policy motions and debate
In addition to rule change proposals, a wide range of motions were brought forward, seconded, and debated by delegates. Motions passed included:
- Endorsing Congo Week
- Increasing the MU’s engagement with Scotland’s Youth Music Initiative
- Collaborating with conservatoires to extend student funding deadlines before course acceptance
- Supporting responsible busking
- Exploring minimum recommended rates and conditions for musicians in pantomime productions
- Advocating for accessible practice spaces, including for musicians in social housing.
- MU rates for musicians working within healthcare settings
- Fairer work conditions through the Stadium Ticket Levy
- Supporting carers in Orchestras
- Stepping up lobbying efforts for increased arts and culture funding in Wales, urging governments to meet the UK average and act on the Senedd report "A Decade of Cuts."
Carried motions also addressed membership benefits, including:
- A new provision of independent financial advice for members
- A membership support service for funding applications
- A joint membership agreement with Equity.
Music must stay alive in healthcare settings
Speaking in support of the motion on suggested rates of pay for musicians working in healthcare settings, delegate Danny Grant shared a personal story highlighting the value of this work and the need to ensure that “music stays alive in these settings.”
East South East England member Gigi Lam added, “I am one of the musicians working in a health care environment – we do not have a qualification as music therapists but it doesn't mean our work is of less value.”
Responding on behalf of the EC, Mary Gilbert reaffirmed the importance of supporting artists in hospitals and care homes. She said, “My Dad was happiest in a dementia care home when local children came to sing there,” adding that such musicians “could well be the nicest thing to happen to a patient that day.”
“Small and independent venues are vital to our music scenes”
Scotland and Northern Ireland member, Kevin Leomo (pictured below), spoke in support of the motion advocating for fairer working conditions through the Stadium Ticket Levy. He urged Conference to call on the MU to lobby key stakeholders to ensure that venues benefiting from the levy are signed up to the MU Fair Play scheme, and adhere to its standards of fair pay and fair treatment.
He emphasised that “this is vital for keeping small venues alive and flourishing,” adding, “these small and independent venues are vital to our music scenes,” representing musicians from all backgrounds.
“Often people who are working in the arts often end up being the ones to take on caring roles in the family”
Speaking on the Carers in Orchestras motion - requesting that the EC encourage orchestras with MU collective agreements to sign up to the PiPA (Parents and Carers in Performing Arts) Charter Programme - North of England member Sashwati Sengupta said:
“Often people who are working in the arts, or freelance work, often end up being the ones to take on caring roles in the family. Part of it can be from the perception that your work isn’t as important.”
“There is power in shared humanity and solidarity”
Later in the afternoon, guest speaker Linton Stephens, Chair of the MU Members’ Assembly (pictured below), addressed Conference. He shared his personal reasons for joining the Assembly and taking part in the Union’s equality, diversity, and inclusion work. Linton said, “There is power in shared humanity and solidarity.”
The evening concluded with a speech from Paul Novak, General Secretary of the TUC (Trades Union Congress), who spoke about the enduring strength and importance of trade unions. This was followed by performances from Liverpool artist Pixey and DJ Paulette.