The IDEA Framework

We believe that music should be Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable, and Accessible. We call these principles 'IDEA' for short. 

The IDEA framework breaks down how you can make that happen. Its action-focussed approach will give you a road-map to realise your IDEA ambitions. It's designed to ensure the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity and access are considered across all areas of strategy, culture and operations. 

The IDEA framework is an action-focussed approach will give your organisation a road-map to realise your IDEA ambitions. 

The IDEA Self-Assessment Survey

Want to improve Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access in your organisation? This easy-to-use survey is designed to help you think through what you’re doing well, and what could be improved.

It contains a series of questions to help you audit existing practices across your whole organisation.

There are eight sections for you to complete - one for each pillar of the IDEA framework.

The Eight IDEA pillars

To ensure the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity and access are considered across all areas of strategy, culture and operations, the framework is broken down into eight pillars: 

  • Vision, Values and Strategy 
  • People and Culture 
  • Key Policies and Procedures
  • Reach and Engagement
  • Musical Offer
  • Youth Voice 
  • Communications
  • Partnerships and Advocacy

You can explore each pillar below. 

The IDEA project

In 2022, we collaborated with a team of leading experts to build the IDEA Framework. The framework was tested with eight Music Education Hubs through a year of action research and development support. As you explore the IDEA framework, the eight pillars and our resources you will find case studies and practical information about how each of these organisation approached IDEA.  

Our Music Education Hub partners were: 

List of organisations