skip to main content

MU Members’ Assembly Explores Regional Identity and Representation

Last week, the MU Members’ Assembly met to review regional and national representation within the Union. The meeting brought together members from across the UK to discuss how regional identity shapes their experiences and how the MU can best support musicians in different areas.

Photo ofSinead McCarney
By Sinead McCarney Published: 26 March 2026 | 10:13 AM
The MU Members' Assembly, sat in a semi-circle around the front desk and large monitor screens. Some people are making notes and others are typing on laptops.
The Members’ Assembly discusses the big issues affecting musicians in depth and brings more voices into Union decision-making processes. Photo: The MU.

Taking place in Glasgow, the lively and productive discussion covered Union work in the devolved nations, presented by Andy Warnock (Regional Organiser for Wales and South West England), Caroline Sewell (Regional Organiser for Scotland and Northern Ireland), and Charlene Hegarty (Regional Officer for Northern Ireland).

Members also explored the concept of regional identity in England and shared their experiences of belonging to particular areas.

Shaping Union activity

A key theme of the meeting was the importance of regional identity in shaping Union activity, and how the MU can continue to champion the work happening on the ground.

Attendees shared ideas to improve visibility, communication, and community initiatives, including ways to strengthen ongoing campaigns and encourage collaboration among local musicians. Some specific regional examples highlighted during the discussion included the industrial issues affecting musicians at Northern Ballet, and the recent campaign for viable and accessible busking pitches in Westminster, London.

About the MU Members' Assembly

The MU Members’ Assembly brings together 27 members from across the Union's Regional Committees, Music Industry Advisory Boards, and equality networks to discuss wide-ranging issues.

It has delegated responsibility from the Union’s Executive Committee (EC) to examine key issues affecting musicians from diverse perspectives and to develop policy recommendations for the EC.

Be a changemaker and get your voice heard

Make a change in your local area or within your music sector, or to be part of the governing body of the union. Get involved with the Musicians' Union's work.

Members can get involved and shape the future of music through the MU's democratic structures.

There are many ways to get involved 

and much more.

Shape MU policy

Be a changemaker and get your voice heard

Continue reading

The MU Members' Assembly, sat in a semi-circle around the front desk and large monitor screens. Some people are making notes and others are typing on laptops.

MU Members’ Assembly Explores Regional Identity and Representation

Last week, the MU Members’ Assembly met to review regional and national representation within the Union. The meeting brought together members from across the UK to discuss how regional identity shapes their experiences and how the MU can best support musicians in different areas.

Published: 26 March 2026

Read more about MU Members’ Assembly Explores Regional Identity and Representation
MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl standing in front of Number 10 Downing Street, along with general secretaries from unions across the country.

MU General Secretary Raises AI Concerns with Prime Minister

The MU has welcomed the Government’s rethink on AI but has emphasised the importance of copyright reform to the Prime Minister. While the shift away from an opt-out system is positive, we continue to call for Government intervention to ensure musicians are fairly paid as AI licensing grows.

Published: 19 March 2026

Read more about MU General Secretary Raises AI Concerns with Prime Minister