Written in September, Still Breathing by January?
One Hub. Many places. One strategy that has to hold it all together. This practical workshop helps Music Hubs keep their inclusion strategy alive, honest and actually working.
What key themes will be discussed?
- Keeping inclusion strategies alive across complex, multi-area Music Hubs
- Honest progress communication vs performative reporting
- What is — and isn’t — shaping your strategic direction
- Managing tension between hub-wide consistency and local difference
This session discusses the challenges and pressures facing Music Hubs openly and honestly. Some scenarios may feel close to delegates’ current reality. The session is designed to be a safe, non-judgmental space, no organisation will be asked to identify themselves or their challenges publicly.
What are the learning outcomes and key takeaways?
- Understand why inclusion strategies stall and what to do about it.
- Leave with practical questions to apply to your own organisation immediately.
This session will be of particular interest to:
- Those with strategic responsibility for inclusion looking to share challenges and gain a renewed sense of purpose.
Interactions
- Audience participation
- Group discussion
- Audience Q&A
Speakers
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Sam Stimpson
SLS 360
Sam Stimpson
SLS 360
Sam Stimpson (M.Ed/B.Ed) is the Founder and CEO of SLS 360 Ltd, a consultancy supporting organisations to build cultures where equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging are embedded into everyday practice. Working predominantly across the cultural, education and music sectors, she combines deep sector knowledge with strategic expertise to help organisations create lasting cultural change rather than short-term interventions.
Sam is a musician and former music educator, who works with Music Hubs, National Portfolio Organisations, charities, public and private sector organisations across the UK. Her work focusses on supporting organisations to strengthen leadership, governance, workforce culture and organisational strategy. In 2025, she received the Music Mark Talk into Action Inclusion Award in recognition of her contribution to the sector.
Alongside her consultancy, in 2025 Sam founded the I.D.E.A.L. Network, a growing leadership community for people leading inclusion and organisational change. Through this work, and in partnership with Sound Connections, she has supported more than 50 inclusion leaders. Sam also serves as Chair of Trustees at Sound Connections.
Known for her practical, thought-provoking and compassionate approach, Sam challenges organisations to move beyond compliance and into meaningful cultural transformation, creating environments where people can thrive, contribute and truly belong.
