The Seat at the Table: LIVE Edition report has found that 41% of board members across 16 live music industry organisations in the UK are women and/or non-binary people.
The report has been curated by gender equality advocacy group Women in CTRL and commissioned by Live Music Industry Venues & Entertainment (LIVE).
It aims to establish a starting point for measuring progress and driving change to eradicate misogyny in the live music industry.
The study, which focuses on LIVE and its 15 member organisations, also states that 27% of chief executives and 30% of chairs are women although none of them are from global majority backgrounds.
“As an industry, it’s clear that we must do more to improve gender representation at the highest levels,” said Gaby Cartwright, head of partnerships at LIVE.
“That’s why we are committed to achieving at least 50% gender equality and 16% global majority representation of women in senior leadership positions across LIVE and its 15 member organisations by 2030, in line with the 2021 national census data.
“Reaching this goal will require collective effort, accountability, and meaningful action – but momentum is building.
“This report provides crucial insight into the challenges we face, and the concrete steps needed to drive lasting change.”
The report is said to be the first of its kind for the UK live music industry organisations and is due to be followed by a roundtable event on April 23.
Tracking and publishing diversity data has helped to drive progress in terms of equality. For example, women’s representation on UK Music trade association boards rose from 32% in 2020 to 52% in 2024.
“We know from experience that what gets measured gets done,” said Women in CTRL founder, Nadia Khan.
“This report is an essential first step; by setting a clear benchmark, we are providing the industry with a roadmap for action, not simply reflection.
“I commend the organisations that have stepped forward to share their data – this level of transparency is a vital step towards real change and sets a precedent for accountability across the sector.
“Our roundtable taking place on April 23 will be a pivotal moment, bringing together key players in the live sector to commit to real, tangible change.
“We want to leave that room with an industry-wide pledge that sets clear targets for representation and accountability. This is about long-term change, and we invite the entire live sector to step up and be part of the solution.”