Tackling bullying and harassment together

Everyone has the right to work in a safe environment, free from harassment, where they can flourish and make their best creative work.

Unfortunately, there are still too many incidents of bullying and harassment in the screen industries. That’s why BAFTA is part of a cross-industry working group which aims to end the culture of tolerance toward bullying and harassment that exists in the industry.

There is no quick fix to end this issue. But as an initial step, we need to come together as an industry and create a new culture where reports of bullying and harassment are tackled promptly, professionally and fairly. A culture where we work collectively to build trust in our processes.

You can play your part by knowing your rights, knowing how to report, and by seeking support if you need it.

Happily, the culture is changing. Employers are recognising that if they want to attract talented people and enable them to contribute their best work, they need to take these issues seriously.

We recognise it can be difficult to speak up, but we hope the following recommendations will give you confidence and support you need to do so.

Recommendations for workers:

1. Take 20 minutes to complete the free ScreenSkills training. This is designed to help you better understand your rights and learn how to write a report if needed.
2. Seek advice and support from The Film and TV Charity’s (FTVC) Bullying Advice Service. You can make an appointment via the FTVC’s website or the 24 hour support line (0800 054 00 00).
3. Check out the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) for further advice and guidance as it gets ready to launch in 2024.
4. Familiarise yourself with the reporting process, using the FTVC’s guidance for creating private records (also found on FTVC’s website).
5. Speak to your union, trade body or guild for additional support in reporting to your employer.
6. If you decide to pursue a complaint, speak to either the Wellbeing Facilitator/designated individual or your manager, depending on who is designated by your employer to handle complaints in their policy.

Recommendations for employers:

1. Update your policy and procedures, and ensure your staff has access to them and that you have the resource in place to deliver them. You can use the Bectu/BFI Dignity at Work template policy as a guide.
2. Make sure your policy is available to everyone you employ by including it in a welcome email or other on-boarding/ induction materials.
3. Offer BIFA’s training to managers and department heads to deal with reports, regardless of whether there is a Wellbeing Facilitator on the project.
4. Promote a commitment to tackling bullying and harassment as part of every on-boarding and induction process. Ensure everyone you employ knows that such behaviour won’t be tolerated.
5. Assign someone to receive reports on every project; either a Wellbeing Facilitator or a trained designated individual.