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Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are incredibly important to BAFTA in terms of our internal structures as an organisation and in the work we do as an arts charity to develop the film, television and games industries.

As a champion of creative excellence, we want all talented people to be able to succeed in the industries, regardless of their background.

> Read the first letter of chair Krishnendu Majumdar to BAFTA members in June 2020, addressesing the issues of diversity and inclusion in the industry and BAFTA's commitment to meaningful change. 

> Read The BAFTA 2020 Review's report and summary of the changes being implimented.  (Read the press release)

The following lays out the areas that BAFTA monitors, and some of the measures we take to help ensure we represent a diverse range of voices and viewpoints in our work.

Our Principles

• We believe that talent is widely distributed but opportunities are not. We aim to use our profile and industry network to help identify talent and support them to achieve their potential.

• We aim to use our influence to encourage the industry to coalesce behind effective change. We believe that the industry is most effective when we work together towards shared goals.

• We value effective action over profile-raising so we are happy to support the good work of our many partners who share our aim of developing a more inclusive industry.

• Data is a hugely important in effecting change. We monitor our application processes and our audiences in order to better understand which groups are under-represented and benchmark our figures against the UK population and the Industry. Under- represented groups in the film industry include people from minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, women and LGBT. It also includes people from lower socio-economic groups and those from outside London.

Awards - BFI Diversity Standards

In 2016 we announced that diversity and inclusion criteria would be introduced into the eligibility requirements for the 2019 Film Awards. BAFTA was the first major awards body to take such a step, which has proved to be not only a significant moment for the industry but an indication of our determination to take a leading role in driving a more inclusive industry. 

Working closely with the BFI, the BFI Diversity Standards were introduced for two categories: the Outstanding British Film and Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer. 

In order to meet the standards, productions must demonstrate that they have worked to increase the representation of under-represented groups in two of the four following areas:

  • On screen representation, themes and narratives
  • Project leadership and creative practitioners
  • Industry access and opportunities
  • Opportunities for diversity in audience development

Since then, BAFTA has introduced similar criteria for the 2021 Television Awards and Television Craft Awards and expanded those requirements in 2022.

For the Games Awards, we began a pilot in 2020 of a new version of the Standards relevant to the games industry focusing on the British Game category, which continues to be reviewed annually.

BAFTA uses the BFI Diversity Standards as a model as we believe they provide a shared flexible framework for measuring diversity so that the industry can track progress over time.

Bullying and Harassment

A new set of principles and guidance for tackling and preventing bullying and harassment have been developed with organisations across the film, television and games industries in response to urgent and systemic issues. In addition, and in consultation with the games industry, BAFTA and BFI also created a version of the guidance for the games industry workplaces.

This guidance has been developed by the BFI in partnership with BAFTA and in consultation with organisations including guilds, unions, industry member bodies and key agencies as well as employees and freelancers across all roles.

Membership & Governance

BAFTA Members select the nominees and winners so it is important that our membership reflects a diverse range of views and perspectives. We monitor our application process from applications, through shortlisting and final selections to ensure there is no bias in our systems. Where we identify a group which is under-represented in the application stage, we will target marketing and invitations to address this and will use this data to reassess eligibility criteria.

Recruitment

We monitor applicants to our vacancies to ensure that our applications reflect the diversity of the local population. We provide opportunities for flexible working whenever possible. We run an internship scheme offering work-based training and encourage entrants from diverse backgrounds. All our internships are paid, and are recruited through fair and open practices.

Supporting Talent

BAFTA has a dedicated Learning and New Talent team and committee who programme activity year-round. We run several schemes which identify talent at all stages of their careers and support them to achieve their potential. See our New Talent pages for more information.

Industry Safety Resources (North America)

Depending on the nature of your enquiry and location, there are a number of industry, city and state resources that may be helpful to you here.