Mental health and stress significantly affect wellbeing, productivity, and the quality of work, particularly in the demanding field of screen production, where long hours, tight deadlines, and high-pressure working environments are common.  

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. 

This policy should be read as both a statement of expectations and a practical guide, supporting thoughtful decision-making and proactive approaches to stress and mental health at work. 

This policy is for all screen businesses with: 

• employees, freelancers and workers; 

• senior leaders, managers and supervisors; 

• trainees, interns and volunteers. 

It applies across productions, projects, and organisational settings, recognising the diverse roles and working arrangements typical of the screen industries. 

It is designed to be used with:  

• The film and TV Charity’s Whole Picture Toolkit;  

• BFI principles on bullying and harassment; 

• Data protection and confidentiality requirements;  

• Stress and mental health risk assessments;  

• Counselling services and Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs); 

• BS 30480: 2025 Suicide and the workplace – Intervention, prevention and support for people affected by suicide.  

This policy is designed as a supportive instrument, encouraging meaningful engagement rather than replacing professional judgement or individual consideration. 

It is not intended to be a one-size-fits-all solution or a tick-box exercise. Effective support for mental health and wellbeing relies on open communication, empathy, and context-sensitive responses. 

Promoting good mental health at work helps create safer, more inclusive, and more sustainable working environments. Early identification of stress, clear expectations, and access to appropriate support can reduce the risk of harm, improve collaboration, and support creative excellence across the screen sector. 

Everyone has a role to play in fostering a culture where mental health is taken seriously, concerns can be raised without fear, and support is accessible and responsive.