Press Release
DIRECTORS UK LAUNCHES ANTI-BULLYING AND HARASSMENT GUIDELINES
6 September 2018
Directors UK, the professional association for British screen directors, has launched a bullying and harassment handbook for screen directors working in the film and television industry.
Following the revelations of abuse across the film and TV industry, the guidebook aims to tackle workplace misconduct and help directors deal with scenarios of bullying and harassment, as a victim, witness or perpetrator.
Designed to be a ‘best practice’ guide for directors, the handbook provides legal definitions of ‘bullying’ and ‘harassment’, as well as practical advice and information to help prevent, identify and address negative behaviour if it does occur.
As the creative lead on a production, directors play a vital role in creating a safe and supportive environment for cast and crew. However, as directors are predominantly freelancers, they often do not have access to HR resources and safeguards so the handbook aims to empower them by helping them understand their own behaviour and behaviour of others, as well as highlighting the various options available to them.
Andrew Chowns, Directors UK’s Chief Executive commented: “This guidance handbook for directors offers practical advice and support to help deal with abusive attitudes and behaviours within the industry. Everyone has the right to work in a safe professional environment, and it is essential that there is a shared understanding of what are respectful and inclusive working practices and valuable guidance on how to deal with abusive behaviour.”
BAFTA-winning director Susanna White, Vice Chair of DUK and Chair of the Film Committee said: “Now, more than ever, as the spotlight has been focused on poor or criminal behaviour within our industry, we must lead by example and ensure our own behaviour and attitudes are reflective and considerate, to encourage and inspire others within the industry to create a safe working environment for all.”
The guidelines was produced following consultation with key industry bodies. Directors UK also offers its members practical advice and support, and a resolution service if a complaint is made.
The Bullying & Harassment: A Handbook for Screen Directors is available on the Directors UK website. For additional information visit the Directors UK website at directors.uk.com/campaigns/bullying-and-harassment
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NOTES TO EDITORS:
ABOUT DIRECTORS UK
· Directors UK is the professional association of UK screen directors. It is a membership organisation representing the creative, economic and contractual interests of over 7,000 members - the majority of working TV and film directors in the UK. Directors UK collects and distributes royalty payments and provides a range of services to members including campaigning, commercial negotiations, legal advice, events, training and career development. Directors UK works closely with fellow organisations around the world to represent directors’ rights and concerns, promotes excellence in the craft of direction and champions change to the current landscape to create an equal opportunity industry for all.
· Directors UK is part of the industry working group led by BFI/BAFTA to address bullying and harassment in the screen industries.
· Further information and a copy of the Bullying and Harassment Guidelines handbook can be found at https://directors.uk.com/news/directors-uk-launches-new-bullying-and-harassment-handbook
· Further information about the Bullying and Harassment Campaign and Guidelines handbook can be found at https://directors.uk.com/campaigns/bullying-and-harassment
· To become a member of Directors UK for access to training, benefits and discounts, please visit www.directors.uk.com/join or contact us directly at [email protected]
· Directors UK Social Media handle: @Directors_UK
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