Jessica Craig works the Musicians’ Union, (MU), as ‘Royalties Official’.
Music is for all
Having studied music and being a musician myself, I feel privileged to work for the Musicians’ Union, (MU). Growing up in Coventry and attending a state secondary school, the importance of ‘the arts’ was never promoted and never felt as integral as other subjects.
The idea you could become a musician and make a living seemed too fantastical.
However, at the MU we know working as a musician IS a full time career and we encourage, support and celebrate musicians from all walks of life.
This is why the MU campaigns against musicians being asked to work for free, and works to empower musicians by recognising their work, advising them of their rights and challenging those who try to exploit them.
My role as ‘Royalties Official’ is to ensure any music royalties due to any musician are paid.
The MU pays royalties to any session player or ‘non-featured’ musician who has played on a track which has been synced alongside any moving images, for example a song played in an advert or a film. We also administer royalty payments for some television programmes and music videos. MU royalties are paid to members and non-members, and last year we distributed a record £1.37 million to musicians and their families.
Another part of my role is helping musicians understand their rights, advising on fair terms in contracts and providing the information they need to ensure their music is protected.
In addition, colleagues and I have set up free roadshow events across the UK to highlight the work we do and to speak to musicians one on one about their career needs.
These have been invaluable, with musicians expressing their gratitude for increasing their understanding of music rights and royalties. There are more events to come so look out for information on the union’s website and social media feeds.
Not only does the MU offer to support musicians on an individual basis but the MU is passionate about improving the music industry overall with our campaigns and lobbying work.
Some of these campaigns relate to fixing music streaming and acting against buyouts, however, a vital area the MU is committed to is equality, diversity and inclusion which is crucial in improving the music industry.
This is accentuated by the setting up of our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) team who aim to achieve equality for all, taking action against discrimination and educating everyone on best
practice.
The MU knows there are challenges faced by women in music, for example sexism, lack of representation, maternity rights and childcare.
We have a growing Women’s Network for members to raise issues and feed into the union’s work, like the MU’s contribution to the Misogyny in Music inquiry in Parliament and the development of template workplace policies on issues ranging from sexual harassment to breastfeeding.
The union offers legal advice to women and guidance on workplace rights for all musicians.
There is also a scheme called ‘Safe Space’ which gives every musician the opportunity to report instances of sexual harassment, sexism and sexual abuse in confidence. The MU can provide advice and information on support services to those affected.
It’s amazing these matters are at the top of the MU’s agenda, so no-one has to face prejudice or discrimination.
This is strengthened by the appointment of Naomi Pohl as General Secretary, the first woman to hold the post since the MU began in 1893.
It is fantastic to work for an organisation where every musician, whether they are a singer, songwriter, student or music teacher is supported and that the MU is behind them no matter what.
This article first appeared in Engage 27.
BY JESSICA CRAIG • March 4, 2024
In our continued commitment to ensuring quality and inclusive education for every child, we’ve taken our advocacy to a new level by empowering the next generation to lead the conversation. In partnership with The Gambia Teachers Union, we recently convened the Foundation’s Young Ambassadors for a vibrant day of engagement dedicated to promoting the right to education for all. The event brought together passionate students from selected senior secondary schools across Region One, including St. John’s School for the Deaf, to explore what it truly means to make education inclusive, equitable, and accessible to every learner.
The Steve Sinnott Foundation is proud to celebrate the inspirational winners of the 2025 Seeds of Hope for a Better Future competition, a global initiative supported by UNESCO that brings together creativity, community, and a shared commitment to peace and sustainability. This unique project invited schools across the world from nursery and primary through to secondary and high school to explore the values of peace, cultural understanding, and care for the planet. In the face of climate change, young people were asked to tell their stories through art, performance, and digital creativity, highlighting how small seeds of action can grow into powerful movements for hope. The results have been extraordinary. Schools in France, the UK, Gambia, Haiti, and Kenya have been recognised for their outstanding contributions, with projects ranging from community gardens and sculptures to dance performances and illustrated stories. Each winner has shown how young voices and imagination can nurture peace and sustainability in ways that inspire us all. The full Awards Ceremony can be watched linked here: S eeds of Hope For A Better Future Awards Ceremony 2025 Highlights from the Winners Oak View Primary and Nursery School (UK) created Faces of Feeling, a collection of joyful sculptures already exhibited in a local gallery. Judges praised their work as supporting the wellbeing of others and embodying the idea of children as true “Seeds of Hope.” St Joseph’s Senior Secondary School (Gambia) painted Campaign for a Sustainable Banjul , reflecting real-world climate action in their city. The judges described it as “a most deserving and robust winner.” In France , the Jardin d'Enfants des Nations Unies (United Nations Nursery School) won hearts with Wind of Peace , where 5-6 year olds combined drawings, paintings, and tree planting to champion reforestation. Lyng Hall Secondary School, Coventry (UK) collaborated with Henley Green Primary and the UK Literacy Association to produce The Heart Shaped Hole – an innovative and metaphorical take on Seeds of Hope. Earlsdon Primary School, Coventry (UK) impressed with Primary Plot , a project that included gardening with the visually impaired, reflecting inclusivity and sustainability. A remarkable cross-collaboration between 21 schools across West Yorkshire, Essex, and Tower Hamlets (UK) resulted in Lights, Camera, Score , an ambitious combination of animation, music, and storytelling. CIMA Community School of Hope, Haiti shared Konbit - a video of dance and solidarity, inspiring villages to work together for peace and dignity. Daraja Academy, Kenya presented an ambitious and optimistic project integrating sustainability into everyday school life. Celebrating Creativity and Peace This year’s competition was judged by an impressive panel of artists, writers, and cultural leaders including Sir Antony Gormley, Edmund de Waal, Dame Liz Forgan, Hugh Quarshie, and Rathna Ramanathan. Their collective expertise highlighted the quality and depth of the entries, each of which showed how art can be a powerful tool for global understanding and change. The Seeds of Hope initiative is part of UNESCO UK’s Arts and Culture for Peace programme, first launched in 2022. It has grown from earlier collaborations such as the Coventry Young Ambassadors’ Islands of Peace Japanese Garden , opened in 2021 a living reminder that seeds planted in communities can continue to flourish. Highlights from the ceremony can be found here at this playlist Looking Ahead As Ann Beatty, UNESCO ASPnet UK National Coordinator , shared: “The quality of entries was extraordinary. We are delighted at the response to this amazing initiative in collaboration with our international partners.” And in the words of judge Jannette Cheong : “Young people around the world understand well the value of peace and tolerant relationships between cultures. Their creativity is an inspiration to all of us.” At The Steve Sinnott Foundation, we believe that education is the seed from which hope grows. The Seeds of Hope competition is a shining example of how young people through creativity, compassion, and collaboration are already shaping a more peaceful and sustainable future. You can access the full online awards presentation here: Seeds of Hope For A Better Future Awards Ceremony 2025
The journey to strengthen the well-being and success of learners in The Gambia continues with a renewed commitment to guidance and counselling in schools. By August 14th 2025, we have successfully trained 140 educators across 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝟏, 𝟐, 𝟑 & 𝟒 under our Guidance & Counselling Programme. A programme designed to equip educators with the skills to support students’ academic, social, and emotional development. Region 3 Teachers Complete Level 2 Training On Wednesday, 6th August, thirty teachers from Region 3 (North Bank Region) began a three-day Level 2 Guidance and Counselling training at the Christian Council in Kanifing. This programme built on their earlier Level 1 training in Farafenni, with a focus on deepening their capacity to serve as school-based counsellors. The training concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony, recognising the teachers’ commitment and marking an important step in their professional development. These certificates symbolize more than an achievement; they represent each teacher’s readiness to provide psychosocial support, guidance, and mentorship to learners across their schools.
