BFI invests £1.5 million to address practices negatively impacting the industry’s workforce

The BFI sets out its commitment to support industry address long-standing practices negatively impacting the health and wellbeing of the industry’s workforce. Today it launches WorkWise for Screen, a new £1.5m pilot programme delivered by Counterculture and led by Creative Industries lawyer, Keith Arrowsmith, which will provide industry with practical resources and guidance covering a range of topics to support equity, inclusion and respect in the workplace.

Developed in consultation with industry stakeholders, WorkWise for Screen is a free to access online portal, a podcast series and a peer-to-peer network targeted at screen sector SMEs and Heads of Department, working across production, animation, VFX, gaming, distribution and exhibition. It offers support to help industry navigate changes to UK employment law under Labour’s new Employment Rights Bill, as well as providing legal contracting and policy templates, e-learning modules and relevant advice and guidance. A podcast programme, live talks and events, a regular newsletter, and quarterly magazine will also cover the most pressing topics on ‘good work’, and relevant employment law and HR updates.

“We produce world-class screen content in the UK, much of which is down to our talented workforce; brilliant people doing fantastic work in a dynamic and creative sector,” said Sara Whybrew, BFI’s Director of Skills and Workforce Development. “However, widespread reports of people struggling with working conditions, mental health and their work-life balance, demands action, and we want to support industry to build fairer, safer and more inclusive workplaces. Created by Counterculture, and expertly led by Keith Arrowsmith, who brings a wealth of legal and governance expertise, WorkWise for Screen is being shaped with input from industry to provide sector specific practical resources, guidance and training. It will also help industry navigate and comply with the Government’s incoming Employment Right’s Bill, particularly changes linked to the use of freelancers, and where we can start a meaningful conversation about eradicating unpaid work.

“As set out in Screen Culture 2033 we are committed to supporting the development of a skilled and representative workforce across the UK, so activity seeking to open-up opportunities and progress careers remains vital. But at the same time, we also need to focus on how we can support the sector to bring about positive change so we can attract and retain the best and most diverse talent.”

Creative Industries Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: “Everyone must feel safe in their chosen career, including in the creative industries. That’s the only way they can thrive. We’ve all read disturbing stories of bad practice — and this is part of putting that right.

“That is why this pilot, following recommendations from the Good Work Review, is so important. From HR and legal advice to support for the self-employed, WorkWise for Screen will help ensure everyone working in our first-class screen sectors has the tools and resources needed to create more inclusive and productive workplaces.”

Keith Arrowsmith, Solicitor and WorkWise for Screen Programme Director on behalf of Counterculture, said: “WorkWise for Screen has been created with, by and for the industry to look after all the people who give the screen sector the winning edge. The Programme is strongly rooted in current legislation to provide everything the industry needs to keep it on safe ground. We will continue to work in consultation with the sector to make it a usable and effective tool for all, supporting those who want to engage an inclusive, robust and happy workforce.

Rebecca O’Brien, BAFTA-winning producer Harvest, The Old Oak, I, Daniel Blake, said: “We have a fantastic industry, full of wonderful people, but also an industry where everything is done with little time and money. No-one can argue with the concept of fair working practices — we all want that for ourselves and our employees. The reality of making a film — particularly an independent film — is incredibly pressurised, so support with contracting and HR policies, especially in light of new legislation, is needed. And as well as helping navigate changes to the law, I welcome resources aimed at positively impacting health and wellbeing. Filmmaking is truly a collaborative endeavour, and we need our workforce to be at their best to make the best possible work, so I’m encouraged by this new pilot providing sector-wide support in this area.”

WorkWise for Screen, supported by BFI National Lottery funding, will act as a free single point of access to resources and support – with both newly developed and signposting to existing content – to offer best practice guidance for employers and employees to adopt and implement ‘good work’ principles and practices.

Having consulted with industry – including ScreenSkills, Pact, the Production Guild and the ICO (full list in the Notes to Editors) – to develop initial content and services and to prevent duplication, WorkWise for Screen is a growing and evolving resource. The offer will iterate and grow as it responds to the industry’s requirements, guided by an Industry Advisory Board as well as an HR Technical Group and a Producers Group to ensure the programme remains current and is responsive to the sector’s most pressing HR needs.

WorkWise for Screen will evolve to support the sector to understand and navigate legislative changes, such as commitments set out in Labour’s New Deal for Working People and the new Employment Right’s Bill. The programme will be delivered by a team with a wealth of expertise including Institute of Employment Studies, ScreenSkills, Edinburgh Napier University and lawyers from across the UK.

Devised for the specific needs of the screen sector, WorkWise for Screen has commissioned content covering topics such as:

• people management, inclusive leadership practice, approaches to wellbeing and anti-bullying and harassment and anti-racism practices
• sound contracting and associated templates, particularly for freelancers/the self-employed in line with the latest legislation including requirements set out in the new Employment Rights Bill
• adoption of inclusive recruitment and procurement practices
• development and adoption of HR policies and procedures and offer contract and policy templates that help create inclusive working cultures
• guidance on improved feedback mechanisms, such as appraisal systems, and opportunities for improved worker and freelancer voice
• research, guidance and training that aids the adoption of good work principles and practices, including signposting to existing best practice tools and support

WorkWise for Screen responds to BFI Skills Review findings, research such as the Film and TV Charity’s Looking Glass Surveys, and the PEC’s Good Work Review of the Creative Industries commissioned by the DCMS.