The BFI FAN Audience Network have created a guide to safeguarding for film exhibitors. This includes definitions, tips for working with both children and adults, how to create code of conduct policies and much more information on how to create a safer environment as a film exhibitor.

This is a live document compiled by Moira McVean, FAN Young Audiences Manager. You can contact Moira here.

What do we mean by Safeguarding?

The term safeguarding refers to the actions taken to protect vulnerable groups from harm. The groups this guide aims to address are children, young people and adults at risk of harm (including organisational staff and volunteers).

Where to begin with Safeguarding?

There are many tools and resources available for free to help you in meeting all your safeguarding responsibilities and many of those are outlined in this resource. When using any of these guides or templates, remember to make sure the policies and procedures you create are relevant to your organisation, ensure all your staff are aware of them and strive to embed safeguarding within the culture of your organisation.

Remember, everyone is entitled to live their lives free from harm, and (regardless of age, gender, religion or ethnicity) it’s important that everyone you work with and welcome into your venue or organisation feels safe and protected.

The 4 areas of Safeguarding to be aware of are:

• Policy

The policies (Safeguarding, Code of Conduct, Safer Spaces, Anti-Bullying and Harassment and Whistleblowing) prove that as an organisation you’re committed to preventing and responding appropriately to harm to the staff, volunteers and audiences you welcome into your venues (children, young people and adults at risk). They will also help you respond to any signs of abuse that may indicate that abuse is occurring outside of your organisation.

• People

For the policies to have meaning, it’s vital you are clear about the responsibilities and expectations of your staff, volunteers and associates. You must ensure that they’ve had appropriate training, understand your policies and procedures and that they know how to act accordingly.

• Procedures

This is how you put the policies into practice to create a safe environment for your audiences, staff and volunteers.

• Accountability

The policies and procedures must be monitored, reviewed and refreshed annually, including training.

You can find information about all four areas of Safeguarding in this guide.