Safe and Supportive Working Practices

Safeguarding: Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination

UK Theatre and SOLT are coordinating industry-wide action to ensure that everyone in theatre and performing arts can prevent and challenge bullying, harassment and discrimination. Our aim is to ensure the industry is a safer, more supportive and inclusive working environment for all in the future.

This work sits alongside UK Theatre and SOLT’s broader work to support the theatre and performing arts workforce. You may also find our diversity and inclusion resource library and mental health and wellbeing resource library useful.

The list below outlines some of our current initiatives to tackle bullying, harassment and discrimination in theatre.

  • 10 Principles: A set of principles to promote a shared responsibility for creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace that is positive and supportive and where bullying, harassment and discrimination is not tolerated. 
  • Legal Checklist: To support organisations in making sure you have clear, up-to-date policies and procedures for preventing and dealing with discrimination and harassment. 
  • Encouraging Safer and More Supportive Working Practices Handbook: A compilation of a variety of the resources listed here to help organisations create and promote safe, supportive and inclusive working environments.
  • Safety and Safeguarding for Women in Theatre: A guidance note to signpost resources and initiatives for both individuals and organisations
  • Industry consultation: A document outlining the key challenges and and best practice guidance arising from facilitated open forums we held in 2018.

This group was formed in response to accusations of inappropriate behaviour in theatre and creative industries working environments, including bullying, sexual harassment and racism. Collectively these accusations reveal a sector that still needs guidance in what appropriate behaviour looks like, what positive welcoming working cultures look like, and clarification of organisations’ responsibilities in relation to the 2010 Equality Act. The Presidents of SOLT and UK Theatre have identified this work as a priority for our organisations and the sector.  

The first meeting of the working group was held in September 2021. In April 2022 the group was changed from Safeguarding Working Group to Working Culture Working Group. You can read the Terms of Reference for the group here.

General resources and guidance
  • ACAS: Discrimination, bullying and harassment guidance for individuals and employers
  • Citizens Advice: Discrimination at work guidance for individuals
  • Equality and Human Rights Commission: Advice and guidance for employers and individuals covering discrimination and the Equality Act 2010
  • Fawcett Society: Tackling sexual harassment in the workplace employer toolkit
  • Gov.uk: Workplace bullying and harassment information
  • NHS: Guidance for individuals on bullying at work, including how to identify it, how to stop it, and advice on getting support
  • Preventing Sexual Harassment at Work: UKHospitality has teamed up with the Equality and Human Rights Commission to create a checklist and action plan for employers, to help ensure employees are protected from sexual harassment in the workplace
  • Rights of Women Helpline: Contact this sexual harassment at work helpline for free employment legal advice if you're a woman experiencing sexual harassment at work
  • SARI: A charity providing free, confidential support to anyone who is a victim of hate crime
  • Security Industry Authority: Advice for security staff on Supporting Women and Girls' Safety - applicable to venue staff
  • Security Industry Authority: Guidance for door supervisors on protecting yourself and the public
Industry specific resources and guidance
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