Taking a closer look at our CSR

In the modern world, non-governmental organisations (NGO’s), social media, and press are quick to recognise ‘bad’ business ethics – usually resulting in exposition and detrimental impact to reputation. Deciding what is ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ is often subjective and personal. It is important to balance what is best for a business and what is best for the wider environment, although this can be a difficult balance to strike due to the number of factors that impact ethics including society, the environment, economics and politics. 

Hot House Music LLP is a social enterprise that prides itself on its ethical practice, supported by its four corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies.  

Not sure what CSR is? Have a look at this quick video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiIv5u59qPs  

‘Access’ – ensuring any child regardless of social or economic circumstance can receive a Hot House Music education. An example of this policy in action was during the first lockdown, where pricing structure was altered to become a monthly subscription, spreading the cost over the year to make it more affordable. Hot House also delivers free assemblies to schools, gives free trials, and offers an affordable instrument rental scheme with Big Bang Music LTD.  Students and staff also have the chance to access unique opportunities such as recording and touring. All these factors contribute to a strong social and community impact in areas that Hot House Music LLP operates in. The policy on access ensures all children are treated equally and can receive a Hot House Music Education. 

‘Nurture’ – ensuring kindness, care, fun and inspiration to all students. Hot House Music LLP brands itself as a ‘tribe’ and deeply cares for all students and staff. The company creates an equitable environment for both students and staff, free from fear of judgement and once a child becomes a member of the Hot House Family, there is a lifelong commitment to their well-being and future. Hot House Music does not discriminate against any student. Our Tribe’s Choir and CEO Jon were sharing the fun carrying on in online sessions on #BBC #News last week! Check it out: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2GgbYdwnuA  

‘Employability’ – despite being a music school, 97% of students do not go on to have a musical career. It is vital to help the students develop transferrable skills to support them in whatever career path they choose. It is important students are not pushed into careers in music, this could be seen as immoral and unfair. The students should only be concerned with having fun and being kind at Hot House Music sessions, where they are able to express themselves freely, build social skills and work as a team to play music.  

‘Legacy’ – The empathy and kindness that is nurtured and developed whilst with Hot House Music LLP will support student’s ability to critically evaluate their own decision-making process and legacy. Hot House Music wants to develop kind people with a strong moral compass and ethical practices to create a domino effect in society – we want our students to change the world. Another ethical business practice relating to the legacy CSR policy is the employment of Alumni. All three apprentices including myself are alumni, as well as the Derby director plus other staff. This self-sufficient system of nurturing students into staff is beneficial for both the company and wider community. It is a way of providing opportunity to communities, starting all the way from when students first #access a Hot House Music education to when they leave at 18 or come on as a member of staff. 

Like any company involved in education, fundamental ethical practices are governed through legislation. As the staff go into schools, it is a company and legal requirement that all staff have a criminal background check before teaching as an employee of the company. Furthermore, all staff receive annual safeguarding training – including administrative staff. It is crucial all staff follow all safeguarding policies, on top of being vigilant to any potential safeguarding concerns confided by a student. Managers must employ strong business ethics when faced with a safeguarding concern, negating any personal bias or assumptions. All cases must be immediately reported to the Designated Safeguard Lead and then they will decide whether to go to the Local Authority – another ethical decision.   

In many businesses, being ethical may be a detriment to profitability. However, in Hot House Music I believe this is the opposite. Strong morals, a focus on kindness and extremely well qualified staff, among other ethical practices, make Hot House Music extremely attractive to the primary customers: parents. Hot House Music’s strong business ethics can be used as a marketing point, as well as evidence to schools to improve relationships and maximise opportunities for the company. Whilst many businesses who manufacture goods may engage in unethical practice such as cheap labour to minimise costs, Hot House does not need to do this and instead has a focus on the people of the organisation and community.  

#access #nurture #employability #legacy #hhmusic #ethics #hhapprentice