Code of Conduct & Safeguarding Policy

Last updated: 3 November 2026

Purpose
First Step Films wants everyone who works with us, whether on set, on location, remotely or online, paid or volunteering, to feel safe, respected and able to do their best work. This policy applies to our team, artists, crew, volunteers, contributors, competition entrants and anyone else involved in our projects.

Our standards
Everyone working on a First Step Films project is expected to:

  • Treat others with courtesy, dignity and respect

  • Value everyone’s contribution, whatever their role, experience or background

  • Follow health and safety instructions and take reasonable care of themselves and others

  • Respect personal boundaries, privacy and confidentiality

  • Be honest and clear, including about whether work is paid or unpaid

  • Behave professionally on set and online, including in project-related messaging groups and on social media

  • Respect other people’s kit, property, locations and intellectual property

Behaviour we will not accept

  • Harassment, bullying or intimidation of any kind

  • Discrimination because of any protected characteristic

  • Unwanted physical contact, sexual advances, or sexual comments or jokes

  • Abusive, threatening or offensive language or behaviour

  • Working under the influence of alcohol or drugs in a way that puts anyone at risk

  • Pressuring anyone to do something unsafe, or to work hours or tasks they have not agreed to

  • Retaliating against anyone who raises a concern in good faith

On set and on location

  • Hours and fatigue. We will plan sensible working hours and breaks, and will not expect anyone to travel home when too tired to do so safely.

  • Risk assessments. Where a project needs one, we will carry out a risk assessment and share the relevant safety information before work starts. Anyone can raise a safety concern and stop work if they believe there is an immediate danger.

  • Stunts, physical work and drones. We will not carry out stunts, hazardous activity or drone flying without appropriate planning, qualified people and any permissions the law requires.

  • Consent for sensitive content. Nudity, intimate scenes or anything involving physical contact will only happen with clear, informed, written consent in advance, and anyone can withdraw consent at any time.

  • Filming people. We will tell people when they are being filmed and, where needed, use release forms. Cast and crew can ask how their image will be used.

  • Kit and property. Crew who bring their own kit are responsible for its insurance unless we have agreed otherwise in writing.

Voluntary and unpaid work
Volunteers have the same right to be treated with dignity and to work safely as anyone else. Unpaid roles are offered only on non-commercial or personal projects. We will explain the role, expected hours and any expenses before work begins, and nobody will be pressured to accept unpaid work or extra hours.

Safeguarding

  • We do not currently recruit people under 18. Our forms and competitions are for people aged 18 and over.

  • If a project involves children or adults at risk, for example as performers or participants, we will put separate safeguarding arrangements in place before any work begins. These will include appropriate checks, chaperones, parental or guardian consent, and any licences the law requires. We will take professional advice before any such project starts.

  • Anyone with a concern about the safety or welfare of a child or adult at risk connected to our work must report it immediately. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

Raising a concern
If you experience or witness behaviour that breaches this policy, you can:

  • Speak to the person in charge of the project, or

  • Email info@firststepfilms.co.uk, marking your message “Confidential”, or

  • Contact [named person or role] directly at [email or phone].

If you would rather talk to someone outside First Step Films, the Film and TV Charity (filmtvcharity.org.uk) offers confidential support and a bullying advice service for people working in film and television, and the BFI publishes principles and guidance on tackling bullying and harassment in the screen industries.

What we will do

  • Take every concern seriously and treat it in confidence as far as possible

  • Listen, record what happened, and decide fair next steps

  • Protect people who raise concerns in good faith from victimisation

  • Act where needed, which may include a warning, removal from a project, or ending a working relationship

  • Report matters to the police or other authorities where required

Any personal information we collect when handling a concern is used only for that purpose and handled in line with our Privacy Policy.

Review
We will review this policy at least once a year and after any serious incident. We will update it when First Step Films becomes a limited company.