This Dignity at Work Policy sets out a commitment to preventing and addressing workplace bullying, harassment, and other forms of unacceptable conduct at work. It takes into account the latest legislation relating to sexual harassment. 

It explains: 

• what behaviour is expected of everyone covered by the policy; 

• what is meant by unacceptable conduct, including bullying and harassment; 

• how concerns can be raised and addressed; and 

• how unacceptable conduct should be responded to. 

This policy applies to all working relationships in the screen industries, including employees, workers, freelancers, contractors, trainees, volunteers and anyone else engaged in work-related activities. It covers behaviour in the workplace, during work-related social events, business travel, online communications and any situation connected to your business. 

This policy should be read as both a statement of expectations and a practical guide for recognising, preventing and responding to unacceptable conduct. 

This policy is for all screen business with: 

• employees, freelancers and workers; 

• senior leaders, managers and supervisors; 

• trainees, interns and volunteers. 

The screen industries often involve freelance work, short-term contracts, power imbalances and informal working environments, making it especially important that expectations around behaviour are clear, consistent and widely understood. 

Everyone covered by this policy has a responsibility to uphold its principles and contribute to a respectful working environment. 

It is designed to be used with: 

• the Acas Code for employee grievances and disciplinary processes 

• a complaints process for non-employees. 

What this policy is not 

This policy is not intended to: 

• prevent respectful disagreement, creative challenge or robust professional discussion; 

• replace informal resolution where issues can be addressed quickly and safely; 

• act as a substitute for legal advice; or 

• be used maliciously or in bad faith. 

Concerns raised in good faith should always be taken seriously and handled fairly, proportionately and with appropriate confidentiality. 

Raising a genuine concern about unacceptable conduct should never result in victimisation. However, knowingly false or malicious complaints may be addressed through appropriate processes. 

Everyone has the right to work in an environment where they are treated with dignity, respect and fairness. Bullying, harassment and victimisation can cause serious harm to individuals, damage working relationships, and undermine creativity, collaboration and trust — all of which are essential in the screen industries. 

Promoting dignity at work: 

• supports wellbeing, safety and mental health; 

• helps prevent harm before it escalates; 

• creates inclusive, respectful working cultures; 

• enables people to do their best work; and 

• helps businesses meet their legal, ethical and professional responsibilities. 

These principles underpin effective working relationships and set expectations for how people should be treated at work. 

Our commitment to best practice in the screen industries 

This policy reflects best practice guidance developed for the UK screen industries and aligns with recognised industry standards, including: 

• principles developed to tackle bullying and harassment in film, television and screen production; 

• the CIISA Standards; and 

• the B Corp accreditation process. 

Dignity at work policies should be kept under regular review to ensure they remain effective, relevant and aligned with current legal and industry expectations.