Welfare and Conduct
Introduction
Around 65% of people in the UK experience a mental health problem in their life; that percentage sits at 87% of people in the film and TV industry (2024 Looking Glass Report). Coupled with the Film and TV Charity industry-wide survey that showed 66% of film and TV freelancers have thought about leaving the industry due to concerns about their mental wellbeing, there is clearly something to address. Under Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, there is a duty of care required by employers which includes mental health. Transformation is needed in our industry to protect and maintain our crew, but also to avoid litigation due to negligence. This data and further studies have prompted many workplaces to incorporate welfare into their environment and those that have are reaping the benefits.
The ambition of this section is to help create a mentally healthy production where expectations around conduct are clear, which by the Film and TV Charity definition is: 'one where people feel listened to, prioritised, supported and receive the training and tools required to do their job and feel good doing it. Where work demands are reasonable, everyone understands their responsibilities and has a degree of control over the way they work.'
With that in mind, HR in the HETV industry cannot be seen through the same lens as traditional HR. On googling 'HR role in organisation' there are a million definitions: recruitment and selection, developing policies and procedures, managing and overseeing any disputes, disciplinaries, grievances, absences, retirements and redundancies, talent management, compensation, employee benefits, employee relationships, legal responsibilities, compliance, training, development, workplace safety and on and on.
However, looking at that list, all these traditionally have, in the first instance, been the responsibility of the Producer and/or Line Producer to manage and if escalated it would then involve the Head of Production. None of these people are likely (until recently) to have had any formal HR training, certainly not a qualification in it as many individuals working in HR outside of the industry would have. That's not a slight, it's simply a fact. Thankfully there is now a great deal of training around this for both crew and employers, as well as HR companies and employee resources that are tailored specifically for HETV productions. The role is also (on some productions) being renamed People and Culture Manager. While they are HR trained, we have found it positions it in a way that the crew also see the role as supportive.
With regards to welfare outside of HR, there are a plethora of training courses, initiatives and services which exist as charity services as well as private services that create a foundation for the company.
By choosing to undertake the training and courses below (many of which are included as part of the HETV Fund Levy) we can redefine what welfare and conduct means to the industry, productions and individuals. We could start to see HR as a support tool to enhance employees’ experience and accountability, as well as making sure organisations adhere to their legal responsibilities.
Below are details of policies, training and initiatives to support and potentially add to the actions productions are already taking around counselling, wellbeing and HR. There is also a directory of organisations who provide a platform to connect prospective employers and employees in the Bibliography and also the Directory section of this resource.
Policies, Guidelines & Best Practice
| Policies, Guidelines & Best Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| HR Policy | HR Policy specific to SPV created by legal expertise to include harassment. |
| Bullying and Harassment Policy | Bullying and Harassment Policy specific to SPV |
| Appointed HR person for the production (best practice) | Depending on budget, this would either be an appointed (and trained) member of the production team (e.g. LP or PM), or an external HR consultant. This person's role as appointed HR should appear on contracts and daily paperwork. |
| Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy | A step-by-step guide to creating a mentally healthy production for each stage of production and everything else including finance, policies and HR. |
| Media Blackout Guidelines | On particular weekends/Bank Holiday weekends and during hiatus. |
Training
The below listings are included in all the totals of the Example Tables of Indicative Allowances:
| Training | Description | Band 1 | Band 2 | Band 3 | Band 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
ScreenSkills |
Series of three e-learning courses which include: Addressing Unconscious Bias: Basic Awareness in the Workplace, Tackling Harassment and Bullying at Work, Introduction to Mental Health Awareness at Work | Online ScreenSkills Module - free of charge (FOC) | |||
| Film and TV Charity I-act Accredited Mental Health Training |
One-day Mental Health Training courses incorporating the i-act model and delivered by qualified i-act instructors, FTVC staff and ex industry professionals. Course options: Managing and Promoting Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing - structured to support anyone with team leadership or management responsibilities (on or off production). Understanding and Promoting Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing - Production/Team training |
In-person only, either at the Film and TV Charity’s HQ in Soho, London, or at a location that’s convenient for you (additional expenses may apply). Each course is for a group size of 4–12 people. Prices Other training options can be discussed directly with the training team. Screenskills bursaries are available for individual bookings. |
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ScreenSkills |
This online module from ScreenSkills provides a basic introduction to safeguarding for anyone working in the screen industries. | Online ScreenSkills Module - FOC | |||
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HETV Skills Fund Anti-Bullying & Harassment Training |
Proposed as mandatory for all crew and cast. Ninety-minute online session. Offers a deep dive into embedding anti-bullying best practice. |
Bespoke sessions available for productions that contribute to the HETV Skills Fund | |||
| Micro-Learning Modules | Various HR Micro-Learning Modules delivered via an app. An alternative to HR sessions and an addition to ScreenSkills’ free module. | £15 - £25 for module based on 150 crew Indicative range: £2,250.00 - £3,750.00 |
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HETV Skills Fund Mental Health Awareness Course |
Recommended for HODs and supervisors. Sixty-minute online sessions providing advice on supporting crew with mental health concerns and tips on how to support positive mental health on a production. |
Bespoke sessions available for productions that contribute to the HETV Skills Fund | |||
| Mental Health Risk Assessment (MHRA) and training for selection of crew. | Organisation carries out MHRA and trains the crew in carrying out MHRAs on the same day so that crew can carry out RAs on the production from that point forward if required. This could in some instances be provided by the production’s Health and Safety company. |
£400.00 - £700.00 per session. Consider one Session for HODs and selected crew (Max 8 People) Indicative Range: £400.00 - £700.00 |
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| Mental Health Risk Assessment (MHRA) | Conducted as a service on each occasion, or can be carried out by PM, 1st AD, Health & Safety Supervisor and Unit Nurse as long as they have undergone training in how to conduct MHRA. | Free of charge if carried out by crew as part of training above. No further costs aside from initial amount paid for MHRA training. | |||
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Mental Health First Aid Training (optional add on) |
For PM, Health & Safety Officer/Supervisor and Unit Nurse. All would be expected to have this as part of basic requirements of role. | Included as part of HETV Skills Fund contribution. No further costs aside from initial amount paid for MHRA Training. | |||
| HR Session |
For all HODs and supervisors early in employment. Led by People and Culture HR Manager on the Production. |
£250.00 - £450.00 per 90 minute Session Three Sessions Indicative Range: £750.00 - £1,350.00 |
£250.00 - £450.00 per 90-minute session or £750.00 - 800.00 per day (maximum 3 sessions per day). Consider 15 Sessions to cover all departments Indicative Range: £3,750.00 - £6,750.00 |
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The below listings are not included in the Example Table of Indicative Allowances as they are bespoke services.
| Training | Details | Band 1 | Band 2 | Band 3 | Band 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Development/Coaching Session |
For all cast and crew. Coaching sessions provide a flexible development option. By providing bookable, one-off coaching sessions with a qualified external coach, individuals can bring any issues they face to the coaching session. The coaching is therefore totally client-led, conversation aimed at generating a personal action plan. |
Indicative range: £650.00+ per session | |||
| Management Coaching Session |
For HODs and supervisors Coaching sessions can be a valuable development intervention for all staff and can also be utilised to support staff attending leadership development programmes. |
Per Session £500.00 - £700.00 | Per Session £500.00 - £1,500.00 | Per Session £500.00 - £2,000.00 | |
Initiatives
The below listings are included in all the totals of the Example Tables of Indicative Allowances:
| Service | Description | Band 1 | Band 2 | Band 3 | Band 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bullying Advice Service (via Film and TV Charity) | The Bullying Advice Service is a free, completely confidential telephone service where a Bullying Adviser is trained to work with people who have experienced, or who are currently experiencing, bullying at work. | Free of charge from the Film and TV Charity | |||
| HR Policy created specific to SPV | Allow for creation of robust HR Policy if you are unable to have official HR representative on set. |
Allowance Range: £0.00 - £1,000.00 One off that you could then review on production by production basis |
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Workplace Bullying and Harassment Incidents Reporting. Software/App or Service. |
Software/app or service to empower everyone working in HETV to monitor and prevent bullying and harassment and to provide the SPV the opportunity to monitor and react to workplace bullying and harassment. |
£100.00 - £150.00 per weeks for 100-200 crew Based on 8 weeks prep, 10 weeks shoot, 2 weeks wrap: *Cost will vary depending on length of Production and specific Production requirements outside of basic monitoring. |
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| HR Coaching | One-to-one session for Appointed HR Person on shoot (Line Producer, PM, etc.). | Indicative Range: £750.00 - £1,500.00 | |||
| Therapy Sessions | Some broadcasters provide this as standard. The Film and TV Charity also has a service that provides up to six sessions per person for free. However, a production may choose to pay a company for a counselling service and platform for cast and crew. |
Free of charge (referral) through the Film and TV Charity or Paid service available which can provide immediate support through suppliers |
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| Wellbeing Pack | A wellbeing pack communicates what mental health support is available for cast and crew during production, so they know how to get help if they need it. | Free of charge as part of the Film and TV Charity’s The Whole Picture Toolkit. Downloadable editable wellbeing pack template |
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| Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Industry Specific |
Industry-Specific EAP for cast and crew to provide support with:
Allowances based on 15% cast and crew uptake and 6 months service. |
Indicative Range: £2,400.00 - £5,000.00 |
Indicative Range: £4,500.00 - £5,500.00 |
Indicative Range: £5,000.00 - £9,500.00 |
Indicative Range: £9,000.00 - £17,500.00 |
| Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Corporate |
Corporate EAP that is non-specific to the media industry. Services are general and more 'tick box' in their approach to employee support and assistance.
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Based on for 150 cast and crew at £0.18-£0.70 each per week Based on being available for 8 weeks prep, 10 weeks shoot, 2 weeks wrap. Indicative Range : £540.00 - £2,100.00 |
Based on for 200 cast and crew at £0.18-£0.70 each per week Based on being available for 8 weeks prep, 10 weeks shoot, 2 weeks wrap. Indicative Range: £720.00 - £2,800.00 |
Based on for 300 cast and crew at £0.18-£0.70 each per week Based on being available for 8 weeks prep, 10 weeks shoot, 2 weeks wrap. Indicative Range: £1,800.00 - £4,200.00 |
Based on for 350 cast and crew at £0.18-£0.70 each per week Based on being available for 8 weeks prep, 10 weeks shoot, 2 weeks wrap. Indicative Range : £1,260.00 - £4,900.00 |
| Service | Info | Band 1 | Band 2 | Band 3 | Band 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HR Consultant/People and Culture Manager |
Recommended minimum allowance of 4 hours per week to deal with HR cases. The objective would, in the first instance, be to manage cases internally. However, external HR provides support for complex cases. It may also be that broadcasters and production companies are able to provide HR support to the SPV, this would mean no allowance would be required. |
N/A |
£700.00 - £1,200.00 per day (8 Hours). Based on 1/2 day a week for: 8 weeks prep, 10 weeks shoot, 2 weeks wrap. Indicative Range: £7,000.00 - £12,000.00 *This will vary depending on the HR Consultant/People and Culture Manager's involvement in production when broadcaster or production company do not provide HR support. |
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| HR Cases Allowance |
To cover work in excess of 4 hours per week committed. Allow further 4 hours per week during production. |
N/A |
£700.00 - £1,200.00 per day (8 Hours). Based on 1/2 day a week for 10 weeks shoot. Indicative Range: £3,500.00 - £6,000.00 |
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| Individual Mental Health Support |
Pay as you go therapy sessions (package prices). Possible structures for this include:
A cap is set on the number of sessions provided by the company, after which the individual is referred. |
N/A (free of charge sessions from the Film and TV Charity) | N/A (free of charge sessions from the Film and TV Charity) |
£60.00 - £75.00 per session. Indicative Range: £10,000.00 - £20,000.00 |
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| Digital Platform/Hub and Managers Portal |
A digital platform to confidentially support crew. Including:
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N/A |
£500.00 - £750.00 for 3 months* Indicative Range: £1,500.00 - £2,250.00 *Based on a 10 week shoot |
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| Exercise |
An allocated fund to subsidise or fully cover the cost of exercise classes or sports, consider that some of these can be accessed remotely from various locations. NB. Get all activities approved by insurers.
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N/A |
£50.00-£75.00 per session Based on minimum one session per week for 7 weeks prep, 10 week shoot Indicative range: £850.00 - £1,275.00 |
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| Unbiased Support Platform | Part of Mental Health Platforms/HR | Also included in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion section | |||
| On set Injury Prevention Consultant | Injury Prevention Consultant (IPC) can conduct an analysis of scripts, series outline and any additional information provided, and produce a report which sets out risks of cast injury posed by scene material and recommended actions for prevention. The Consultant can then provide on set support, facilitating the report’s recommendations and offering practical solutions to ensure cast is consistently working in a safe and sustainable manner. |
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£500.00-800.00/day *Based on a 10 week shoot. This will vary depending on the extent of the Consultant’s on set involvement in production. Involvement will be determined by the nature of physical scene material and cast support requirements. |
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On Set Qualified Mental Health Professional/Wellbeing Practitioner. |
This may not be required if those who carried out Mental Health RA training feel confident, or if the broadcaster provides a professional. Script and locations should be considered in allowance in initial budget. Allow for specific cast and crew support. Use in the same way as Stunt Coordinator in terms of specific requirements. |
£400.00 - £800.00/day Allowance for three days. Indicative Range: £1,200.00 - 2,400.00 |
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On Set Mental Health First Aider/Facilitator |
Works across a number of productions at the same time. Could also, in some cases be the Health and Safety Officer if they are trained. | N/A (can be carried out by those who trained in Mental Health First Aid) |
£400.00 - £550.00 per day. Allow 5 days during prep for site visits and meetings with departments and 2 days per week across shoot. Indicative Range: £10,000.00 - £13,750.00 |
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| Designated Mental Health Areas on Set | Area on stage or on location, could be as simple as an ez-up, where crew are able to step away. This area could be monitored by any mental health service companies on set, crew who have undergone MH training or HR personnel/appointed HR person. | Negotiate free of charge | Indicative Range: £500.00 - £2,000.00 | ||
Please note: HETV Skills Fund training courses are regularly reviewed and new training programmes are commissioned each Spring following the convening of the 12 industry working groups and their discussions and recommendations based on the annual HETV Skills research. The details included in this resource about available ScreenSkills HETV courses should not be seen as definitive so please check with the HETV Skills Fund Team about training available for your production.
ScreenSkills delivers annual DEI training for productions and freelancers in line with industry need. Please check their Training and Opportunities page for the latest updates.