BFI, Bafta set up anti-bullying initiative

The British Film Institute (BFI) and Bafta have unveiled a new initiative and set of resources to tackle bullying, harassment and racism in the UK’s television and film industry.

Tim Hunter

Backed by more than 40 organisations, The Action List is a practical employer-focused guide that provides measures to stamp out bullying in the workplace.

It includes a list of resources, such as the new ScreenSkills online training module on bullying and harassment, to help employers meet their legal and ethical responsibilities around culture, as well as pointing out support to workers.

Elsewhere, The Film and TV Charity has launched a suite of new services for people who have experienced or witnessed bullying, including a digital incident-recording tool called Spot and the Bullying Pathway Service, which is accessible via the charity’s existing free and confidential 24-hour support number.

The schemes come in the wake of several high-profile incidents, including Piers Morgan’s resignation from Good Morning Britain after his on-screen comments about Meghan Markle prompted complaints to TV regulator Ofcom.

Last year, research commissioned by The Film and TV Charity, which collected data on more than 9,000 workers, revealed that 84% had experience or witnessed bullying or harassment.

Tim Hunter, director of learning, policy and inclusion at Bafta, said: “The nature of our industries can make it more challenging to put in place policies and procedures which might be more achievable in other sectors. The Action List and accompanying training and resources suggest solutions for the kinds of workplaces common in the industries, which we will continue to improve in the coming years.

“It’s so important that so many industry bodies are coming together with a united strategy to tackle this issue supporting both employers via the Action List, and workers via the fantastic services offered by The Film and TV Charity. Our shared aim is to create workplace cultures where everyone can contribute to the best of their abilities.”