Volume Up

YSWN’s Volume Up standard enables sound and technology businesses of all sizes to demonstrate their commitment towards a fairer, more inclusive industry.  Organisations with a diverse workforce and ethical practices can benefit creatively and financially from new talent and ideas, as well as retaining staff and reaching new client bases.

Volume Up: YSWN’s Audio Equity Standard uses eight different strands as a framework for businesses to structure their approach to supporting women and people of minority genders in sound. The standard recognises actions rather than just words and written policies – we aim to support the industry to make tangible, long-lasting changes.

We have created these eight strands based on our research and life experience, where we had seen or experienced barriers. These strands are:

• Understanding and Awareness
• Workspace Culture
• Working Practices
• Pay
• Progression & Professional Development
• Recruitment
• Marketing & Communications
• Advocacy & Support

There are clear moments when women, girls and people of minority genders start to drop off in engagement with music technology – and education is one of them.

Through our WIRED research and work with educational bodies, we have developed a Volume Up standard to support institutions and teachers businesses in becoming gender diverse within music technology before they enter work in the industry.

Based on our research, working with young people and working in the education sector, we have adapted the 8 strands of Volume Up to support teachers, students and the wider organisational body. The educational version includes input from students and highlights best practices that include safeguarding internally and on external placements as well as looking at the curriculum and different ways to look at recruitment:

• Understanding and Awareness
• Workspace Culture
• Working Practices
• Curriculum
• Progression & Professional Development
• Recruitment
• Marketing & Communications
• Advocacy & Support

Listen to our Turn Up the Volume podcast where we amplify the voices pushing for inclusivity and equity in the audio industry. Hosted by Ngaio Anyia, each episode unpacks key themes to create spaces where everyone can thrive.

To express your interest in Volume Up, our Gender Diversity Training or if you have a question about YSWN and its work, fill in the form below and we will respond to you quickly.