Industry statement on professional values

This updated statement on professional values and behaviours aims for an industry that is ‘welcoming to all, respectful of all, and supportive of all’

This updated industry statement was launched in November 2023 by the Publishers Association, Society of Authors, Booksellers Association and Association of Authors’ Agents.

Originally launched five years ago, it has been updated by representatives of the industry associations in consultation with their memberships.

A number of new organisations have also endorsed the statement, including the Association of Illustrators, the Translators Association, Publishing Scotland, the Independent Publishers Guild (IPG) and the Writers Guild of Great Britain.

The statement offers a clear, updated and robust set of professional values aimed at uniting and taking the industry forward. The overall structure of the document has been changed so that it now encompasses ten points, with additional emphasis on areas such as mental health. More reference to online behaviour and social media discourse has also been incorporated.

The associations involved are clear that they are not standards bodies, but that they ‘believe that an industry commitment of this kind can support an industry-wide culture we can be proud of – one which is welcoming to all, respectful of all, and supportive of all.’

Literary agent Natalie Jerome, co-convener of an industry Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Forum in which the updated statement was developed, said:

Building on the foundations of the original 2018 statement, this new version lays out our commitment to celebrating and actively promoting diversity and inclusion in all its forms, and a zero tolerance approach to abuse and the incitement of hatred of any kind. Post BLM and Me Too, we wanted to address the need for an expanded and robust set of professional values and we hope this will unite and take the industry forward. We will continue to look at ways in which together, we can improve upon, amplify and engage the industry with this vitally important, ongoing work.

Nicola Solomon, Chief Executive of the SoA, said:

When we and industry partners in publishing signed up to the Commitment to Professional Behaviour in 2018 it was a direct reaction to the Me Too movement, as we mirrored the conversations of people working in broadcasting, media, politics and every arena. That was a starting point for publishing to challenge itself to do better. Since then, we have lived and worked through a pandemic and an ongoing cost of living crisis, challenged ourselves around diversity, inclusivity, representation and free speech, and we have become more acutely aware of the difficulties faced by too many individuals trying to make and sustain a living – and be heard – in this industry. The new Book and Publishing Industry Professional Values is a worthy, thoughtful, practical successor to the work we did five years ago. The published document is realistic, unambiguous and most importantly its recommendations are achievable. We do not seek to impose or enforce professional values but to assist and encourage all in our industry to model and live them.

Report a concern

If you have been affected by behaviour that contravenes the Book and Publishing Industry Professional Values, you can find out more about reporting a concern here.