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.

View the 10 Principles Download the Handbook

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.
Theatre Helpline: a free and confidential support line available 24/7 for anyone working in theatre and performing arts in the UK.
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.
Creative industries bullying, harassment and discrimination working group: SOLT and UK Theatre represent theatre and the performing arts on this cross-sector group, formed in June 2021 and chaired by DCMS and Creative Industries Federation, which aims to coordinate best practice across the creative industries

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 working group includes:

Eleanor Lloyd (chair) - SOLT President
Stephanie Sirr (chair) - UK Theatre Joint President
Erica Whyman - Royal Shakespeare Company
Gaynor Evans - Royal Opera House
Kath Geraghty - National Theatre
Lesley Owusu - Sadler's Wells
Megan Conway - Ambassador Theatre Group
Nia Janis - Playful Productions
Sarah Houston - Mayflower Theatre
Annie Waugh - SOLT and UK Theatre
Claire Walker - SOLT and UK Theatre
Hannah Essex - SOLT and UK Theatre
Charlotte Fisher - SOLT and UK Theatre
Louise Norman - SOLT and UK Theatre
Claire Godden - SOLT and UK Theatre
Sebastian Cater - SOLT and UK Theatre

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.

The following policies, procedures and guidance have kindly been shared by member organisations to provide examples for others. If you have bullying, harassment or discrimination policies, procedures or codes of conduct that you would be happy to share, please email Annie Waugh, Projects Manager: ukt@soltukt.co.uk

General resources and guidance

ACAS: discrimination, bullying and harassment guidance for individuals and employers
ACAS: advice for individuals on how to tackle problems at work
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
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
A guide to workplace bullying: an article exploring the different types of workplace bullying, its impact and how both individuals and employers can deal with it

Industry specific resources and guidance

Equity: Safe Spaces, Manifesto for Casting
Independent Theatre Council (ITC): guidelines and help sheets for ITC members
Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM): Dignity at Work research
Lady of the House and Savenightlife: A study into women in music, entertainment and leisure industries at night
Musicians’ Union (MU): report on sexual harassment in the music industry
MU and ISM: Music Sector Code of Practice to tackle bullying, harassment and discrimination
Standing Conference of University Drama Departments (SCUDD): guidelines for preventing sexual harassment in university drama
The Space: Online abuse in the arts: how to prepare and respond - a toolkit
Theatre and Dance NI: Member Assistance Programme
Writers' Guild of Great Britain: Creating Without Conflict

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Become a member

Get in touch

32 Rose Street
Covent Garden
London
WC2E 9ET

enquiries@soltukt.co.uk

+44 (0)20 7557 6700

"UK Theatre" is the operating name of UK Theatre Association, a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales, whose registered office is at 32 Rose Street, London, WC2E 9ET, Company No 323204.