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Cultural Diversity 
Health & Safety
Firmly on the ABO's agenda is a continued awareness amongst its members and the wider classical music community to respond proactively to the evolving nature of the communities in which they work. An understanding of cultural diversity is vital to orchestras in engaging with their local communities and in how it relates to all parts of their organisation. An increasing number of orchestras are applying diversity to their recruitment policies, marketing campaigns and, importantly, artistic programmes.
In October 2003, the ABO presented a symposium entitled "Cultural Diversity and the Classical Music Industry"from which has grown a series of networking events under the banner "Diversify Your Network" funded by decibel, Arts Council England. The first event in this series took place at the Hilton on Park Lane in May 2004, with a second scheduled for early 2005 in Manchester.
The ABO is actively involved in GAIN, an initiative to diversify the boards of selected arts organisations. Run by Arts & Business in partnership with Arts Council England and the Greater London Authority, this project has been embraced with enthusiasm by the board and staff of the ABO.
Awareness and issues of health and safety at work exist in all corners of the orchestral sector from administration office to concert platform, outdoor stage to orchestra pit. The ABO keeps abreast of all aspects of working environments and regularly updates a code of practice created in partnership with the Musicians' Union relating to outdoor performances.
Most significantly, in 2002 the ABO commissioned a report entitled "A Sound Ear" addressing the issue of noise damage to musicians, prior to the introduction of new EU directive. A Sound Ear has received enormous acclaim and has been circulated to music professionals and medical practioners around the globe. Following a symposium addressing the issues raised in the report, and thanks to support from the Musicians Benevolent Fund, 12 British orchestras have undertaken - or are currently scheduled to receive - intensive training in the area of noise exposure and how orchestras can take practical steps to reducing exposure levels and minimising risk.
The ABO currently sits on a steering group with the Health and Safety Executive drawing up a draft code of practice for the music and entertainment sector in advance of the introduction of UK legislation.