BFI Launches £1.5m Initiative to Boost Workplace Practices in UK Screen Industry

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The BFI Introduces £1.5m Pilot Scheme to Promote Healthy Workplace Practices in the UK Screen Sector

The BFI has introduced a £1.5m two-year pilot scheme, titled “Work Wise For Screen”, to encourage healthy workplace practices within the UK screen sector.

The scheme aims to support the industry to improve working culture, work-life balance, recruitment practices, and contracting, and offer specific guidance on the Labour government’s incoming Employment Rights Bill, which was unveiled last week. The funding supports an online resource, led by consultancy Counterculture, that provides industry with practical resources and guidance. It is also supporting e-learning modules, HR training, a podcast, and events programme.

“Sectors need to be more supported to get into the weeds more about certain areas of our employment legislation,” said Sara Whybrew, Head of National Lottery Skills Programmes. “Specifically, there are changes coming linked to sexual harassment and the need to be proactive about preventing that, rather than having procedures for dealing with it, which is the case currently. There has to be proactive behavior and actions linked to preventing sexual harassment in the workplace.”

The scheme also includes training for management skills, with Whybrew noting that “managing people requires appropriate skills – we want to up recognition of having those skills. The same applies to inclusive leadership practice – the cultures of workforces are set by people who sit at the helm. We want to encourage and support the exploration of different ways of doing things.”

The BFI hopes this pilot will be complementary to the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA), set to launch in early 2025.

Industry Response

Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor, Fiona Lamptey, Rebecca O’Brien, and Ivana MacKinnon were among the producers to welcome the initiative.

“We have a fantastic industry, full of wonderful people, but also an industry where everything is done with little time and money,” said O’Brien. “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.

“Creating a fair and inclusive work environment is not just about policies – it’s about fostering a culture where everyone feels they belong,” said Lamptey. “This initiative is a crucial step towards ensuring that every individual in the screen industry, regardless of their role or background, is seen, respected, and empowered to contribute their best.”

FAQs

* What is the goal of the “Work Wise For Screen” pilot scheme?
The goal is to promote healthy workplace practices within the UK screen sector and support the industry to improve working culture, work-life balance, recruitment practices, and contracting.
* What are the key areas of focus for the scheme?
The key areas of focus include training for management skills, inclusive leadership practice, and guidance on the Labour government’s incoming Employment Rights Bill.
* How is the scheme funded?
The scheme is funded by the BFI National Lottery and targeted at screen sector small and medium-sized enterprises and heads of department, working across production, animation, VFX, gaming, distribution, and exhibition.
* What is the expected impact of the scheme?
The scheme aims to promote healthy workplace practices and support the industry to improve working culture, work-life balance, recruitment practices, and contracting, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and productive work environment.