Building a sector where everyone can thrive event ​at The Garden Cinema

On Tuesday 23rd June, w​e were joined by colleagues from UK screen companies, freelancers, senior representatives from key UK screen industry bodies, and HR and legal sector who care about better ways of working.

Through wide-ranging conversation and presentations, discussion ranged from how best to collectively prepare for shifting legislation and changing attitudes to EDI, to a case study presentation on WorkWise materials for Welsh language training, and a graduate's perspective on entering the workplace.  

The event started with Keith Arrowsmith, WorkWise for Screen Programme Director, calling for collaboration as the sector responds to industry challenges and employment law changes.  

Our keynote address from Dr Meenakshi Krishnan, Principal Research Fellow at the Institute for Employment Studies, explored challenges and actions needed for systemic change in relation to EDI in the workplace. 

We also heard from recent animation graduate, Eva Gifford, on the questions she has for industry as she enters the workplace, and a case study from Sioned Haf-Roberts at Welsh training provider TAC, who is now using bespoke WorkWise resources for core training programmes.

We wrapped the event by distributing our new WorkWise for Screen Field Guide, available digitally now.

The guide is a short introduction to the law that relates to workforce practices in the screen sector, with signposts for support to tackle bullying, harassment and discrimination.

Think of it as a whistlestop tour of the essentials: employment status and the duty to prevent harassment, rest and working hours, flexible working, data protection, and the new Fair Work Agency, among others. This 'pocket' version is designed to be genuinely useful, something to keep on your desk, share with your team, and reach for when a question comes up. It's available in two versions: one for England, Scotland and Wales, and one for Northern Ireland. 

Wherever you want to go further, it points you to the WorkWise platform, where the fuller, expert-reviewed resources live.

We'd like to extend our thanks to our speakers on the day and to all our supporters and collaborators - whether that's those joined us as advisers, funders, and supporters, or participants in our events and engagement activities who told us what the UK screen industry needs to be able to do good work.