The MU Members’ Assembly brings together 27 members from across the Union's Regional Committees, Music Industry Advisory Boards and networks. Photo: Shutterstock.
Sarah and Ben bring a wealth of experience to the chairing role, as Chairs of the Music Writers’ Advisory Board and Scotland & Northern Ireland Regional Committee respectively.
The Members' Assembly chairing team is rounded out by Vice Chairs Bridget Walsh, who Co-Chairs the Climate Emergency Action Group, and Mexy Thomas, whose work on the Midlands Regional Committee focuses on funding support for musicians following Birmingham City Council's 100% arts funding cut.
The election took place at the September meeting of the Assembly, which focused on organising. Topics explored included how musicians understand the Union, what being an MU member means to members, and barriers to talking about trade unions in workplaces. Recurring themes were community, solidarity and strength in numbers, alongside the importance of benefits and services such as insurance and legal advice.
Reflecting on the meeting, MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl said: “I am delighted that the Members’ Assembly is entering its second two-year term, with a mixture of experienced members and new faces. It is such a diverse and representative group of musicians; I look forward to working with them on some of the big issues facing members and our Union today. Sarah and Ben will be an excellent Co-Chair team."
About the Members' Assembly
The MU Members’ Assembly brings together 27 members from across the Union's Regional Committees, Music Industry Advisory Boards and networks.
It has delegated responsibility from the Union’s Executive Committee (EC) to discuss the big issues affecting musicians from diverse perspectives and develop policy recommendations for the EC to consider.
Watch our explainer below, recorded with the first Members' Assembly cohort, to find out more.