As the PRS Members’ Fund drives forward into its tenth decade, our mission remains deeply rooted in a single truth: nobody understands the challenges of a music career better than creators themselves. In this edition of our Meet Our People series, we are delighted to profile songwriter, producer, and advocate Pete Woodroffe, who was appointed as a Trustee in January 2024.

With nearly 40 years of experience at the coalface of the music industry, Pete brings a wealth of hands-on creative experience, structural knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to defending the livelihoods of his peers.

‘I know first-hand the immense highs of a hit record, but I also know the lows of trying to figure out how to pay the bills when you can only guess your next cheque from PRS. The Members’ Fund is the jewel in the crown of PRS. It’s the safety net that any of us can access when things don’t work out’.

From the Studio to the Charts

Pete’s career kicked off as a tape op and programmer in songwriter Andy Hill’s studio working with everyone from Bucks Fizz to The The. He worked his way up to engineer, went freelance and recorded the Def Leppard album ‘Adrenalize’ with producer Mike Shipley. He went on to produce four albums with the band in the nineties including global hits ‘When Love and Hate Collide’, ‘Two Steps Behind’ and ‘Promises’.

In 2000, Pete transitioned his focus toward songwriting. Over the years, he has penned tracks for powerhouse names including Simply Red with the hit ‘So Not Over You’, Rooster’s ‘Come Get Some’, and Son of Dork’s ‘Ticket Outta Loserville’, as well as songs for Melanie C, Joe Brooks and Cliff Richard. His work has also been heavily featured across global synchronisation campaigns for brands like Ford, Oral B, Becks Beer, Mercedes-Benz, and Universal Pictures.

His belief in the charity was first shown back in 2011 when he ran the Brighton Marathon to raise money for the Fund.

‘I’ve spent my entire life in studios,’ Pete shares. ‘I know first-hand the immense highs of a hit record, but I also know the lows of trying to figure out how to pay the bills when you can only guess your next cheque from PRS. The Members’ Fund is the jewel in the crown of PRS. It’s the safety net that any of us can access when things don’t work out’.

Turning Frustration into Advocacy

As streaming and YouTube took over Pete was repeatedly frustrated by the level of income his work was generating. He decided to take action. He chose to step up and work within the industry’s legislative framework to protect the value of music.

He joined the PRS Writer Member Operations Group in 2012, was elected to the Songwriters Committee at BASCA (now The Ivors Academy). In 2021 he was elected to the PRS Members’ Council. Serving on the Licensing Committee, Distribution Committee, Audit and Risk Committee, AI Working Group and ultimately the main Board of PRS, Pete has continually fought on behalf of creators.

A Ground-Level Perspective on Care

It is this sharp focus on creator welfare that makes Pete a natural fit for the PRS Members’ Fund Board of Trustees. While his role on the PRS Board deals with the commercial machinery of rights and distributions, his role with the Fund focuses entirely on the human element.

‘The team at the Fund offer so much more than financial help. They will listen to you and offer you the understanding that is so hard to find elsewhere’.

Whether the Fund is stepping in with emergency grants for physical rehabilitation, housing support, or crucial mental health resources through partners like BAPAM, Pete ensures the board remains acutely connected to what music creators are facing on the ground.

‘The PRS Members’ Fund is a vital safety net’, says Pete. ‘When a crisis – whether it’s medical, mental, or financial – interrupts a creator’s ability to work, standard royalties don’t always cover the immediate fallout. Our mission is to step right at that crossroads, offering real, confidential, and practical support to help our community pick up the pieces and keep creating. The team at the Fund offer so much more than financial help. They will listen to you and offer you the understanding that is so hard to find elsewhere’.