The British Film Institute (BFI) has recently announced the launch of the Good Work Programme for Screen, a new initiative aimed at addressing long-standing issues within the screen sector and promoting fairer, more inclusive and productive working practices. With a budget of £1.5 million, the BFI Skills Fund will provide funding for this programme, thanks to the National Lottery’s support. The programme aims to raise awareness of employee and worker rights, enhance operational management and recruitment practices, encourage inclusive ways of working, and improve contracting approaches for freelancers. By doing so, the BFI hopes to cultivate a stronger and more sustainable workforce in the industry.
Background and Objectives
The Good Work Programme for Screen is a response to the Recommendations of the recent Good Work Review, commissioned by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS). Several reports, including the Film and TV Charity’s Looking Glass (2022), the PEC’s Good Work Review (2023), and the BFI Skills Review (2022), have highlighted the industry’s failings in consistently meeting the principles of good work practices. These failings have led to a need for a strategic and practical drive to improve working practices across the sector.
The programme aims to address the specific needs of the screen sector while aligning with the recommendations of the Good Work Review. It will complement the strategic framework developed by industry professionals through the Screen Sectors’ Skills Task Force. The BFI is seeking a partner organization with expertise in HR and UK employment law to develop and deliver the programme in collaboration with other specialist organizations.
Programme Details
The Good Work Programme for Screen will provide targeted advice, training, and support primarily for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), industry leaders, and Heads of Departments (HoDs). It seeks to build capacity and knowledge within the sector to create fairer, more inclusive, and positive workplaces. The programme will serve as a comprehensive resource hub, offering businesses and individuals access to key tools, advice, support, and training to strengthen management and HR practices, promote inclusivity, and enhance workforce productivity.
Key Objectives of the Programme:
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Raising Awareness of Employee and Worker Rights: The programme will focus on educating employers and employees about their rights and responsibilities, ensuring they are well-informed and empowered.
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Strengthening Operational Management and Recruitment Practices: The programme aims to improve the overall operational management and recruitment practices within the screen sector, enabling organizations to operate more efficiently and effectively.
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Encouraging Inclusive Ways of Working: Inclusivity is a core aspect of the programme, and it will encourage industry leaders to embed inclusive working practices, promoting diversity and equal opportunities.
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Improving Contracting Approaches for Freelancers: Freelancers play a vital role in the screen sector, and the programme will seek to enhance contracting approaches to ensure fair and transparent agreements that benefit both parties.
The BFI aims to create a “one-stop-shop” for businesses and individuals within the screen sector, providing them with easy access to the necessary resources, advice, support, and training needed to improve working practices.
Application Process
Organizations interested in partnering with the BFI to deliver the Good Work Programme for Screen can find the Fund Guidelines on the BFI website. The deadline for applications is 3rd April 2024. The BFI intends to make a single award to a lead organization with a track record and significant expertise in HR and UK employment law. This lead organization will collaborate with other specialist organizations to ensure the programme reaches a wide range of businesses and individuals within the screen sector.
To provide further information about the programme and the application process, the BFI will host an information webinar on 7th February 2024. This webinar will be open to anyone interested in submitting or partnering in an application to deliver the programme.
The Importance of Addressing Poor Working Practices
The screen sector, renowned for producing world-leading content, has faced ongoing challenges in its operational management practices. Recognizing the need for change, the BFI aims to elevate the industry’s practices to achieve world-leading status not only in content creation but also in the way content is made, exhibited, and preserved. The Good Work Programme for Screen acknowledges the numerous reports, data, and testimonies that have highlighted the prevalence of poor practices across the sector. By attracting the right expertise and providing comprehensive support, the programme intends to bring about long-term positive change.
Collaboration with the Creative Industries Council
The BFI’s Chief Executive, Ben Roberts, and Sara Whybrew, Chair of the Creative Industries Council’s Good Work Review Task and Finish Group, are actively working to develop a first-phase action plan in response to the recommendations of the Good Work Review. The Creative Industries Council recognizes the importance of addressing job quality and is committed to fostering a skilled UK screen sector workforce that reflects the population.
The Good Work Programme for Screen represents a significant step towards improving working practices in the screen sector. By addressing long-standing issues, raising awareness of rights and responsibilities, enhancing operational management, and promoting inclusivity, the BFI aims to create a more productive and sustainable workforce. The programme’s strategic and practical approach, along with the valuable support of partner organizations, will help to shape a positive future for the industry, where fair and inclusive practices are the norm.
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