Ellis became known for his leadership in equality and diversity in 2012, when UK Music launched its Equality and Diversity Music Charter, recognising his efforts on its website. During his PRS Chairmanship, Ellis introduced a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) awareness committee. His CSR group included stakeholders Kanya King MBE, CEO and founder of Music Of Black Origin, the MOBO Organisation, Bevan Powell MBE, Black Police Association and Paulette Long OBE, and surveyed the diversity of the PRS Board, its staff and its membership. Ellis also championed interaction with MOBO, resulting in a multi-year partnership with PRS, which led to engagement with a more diverse membership base. Outside of work, Ellis has given various seminars on all aspects of the music industry, and toured the Caribbean twice, explaining European copyright and how artists and composers can promote and administer their music in Europe. Ellis is also currently Chairman of the Trustees of Small Green Shoots, a registered charity supporting disadvantaged youth. Ellis was awarded with an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for Services To Music Publishing and also conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Of Music. He was also awarded the Cannes Music Summit Award at Midem, France.