All targets in the Academy’s Equalities plan were achieved, with 50% of the Senators identifying as female (up 13% from the last election in 2018), 40% Black, Asian and minority ethnic (up 32% from 2018) and 13% declared a disability. For the first time the Academy collected details about geographic location, LGBTQI+, schooling and religious belief to provide a fuller picture of diversity.
Senators will be involved in Committees and Advisory Groups to make recommendations to the Board. The Senate will meet four times a year to ask questions of the Board and CEO, and put members’ views at the heart of the Academy’s strategy and plans. Creating the Senate is part of a set of governance reforms, which 83% of members in voted of at this year’s AGM.
The election has confirmed five of the 12 vacant positions on the Board with Fiona Bevan, Nainita Desai, Daniel Kidane, Orphy Robinson, Hope Winter and Imogen Williams (sharing a post) becoming Board Directors. The Senate will fill the remaining Board roles over the coming weeks.
Graham Davies, CEO of The Ivors Academy, said, “We are thrilled at the outcomes of this election. The level of engagement and diversity of candidates has increased significantly on past years and is the result of the commitment we made to equality, diversity and inclusion back in 2019. Our thanks to all the members who have given their time and wisdom to us over the last three years. And to every songwriter and composer that put themselves forward in this election, thank you for helping us build a stronger and more diverse Academy. Together we will continue to raise our voice and put music creators centre stage.”
