Conduct, Behaviour & Safeguarding Policy

1. Purpose

This policy sets out the standards of behaviour expected of everyone involved in or attending the Festival.

It exists to:

• Create a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment
• Protect participants, staff, and audiences
• Support safeguarding and wellbeing
• Set clear expectations for conduct and accountability

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Filmmakers and entrants
• Attendees and guests
• Staff, volunteers, and contractors
• Judges, screeners, and programmers
• Partners, sponsors, and suppliers
• Press, media, and accredited guests

It applies to all Festival-related activity, both in person and online.

3. Expected Standards of Behaviour

All participants are expected to:

• Act respectfully and professionally
• Treat others with dignity and courtesy
• Follow Festival policies, venue rules, and the law
• Support an inclusive and welcoming environment
• Comply with reasonable instructions from Festival staff

4. Zero-Tolerance Behaviour

The Festival operates a zero-tolerance approach to:

• Harassment or bullying
• Discrimination or hate speech
• Threatening, abusive, or aggressive behaviour
• Sexual misconduct or unwanted attention
• Intimidation, coercion, or retaliation
• Deliberate disruption of Festival activities

Breaches may result in immediate removal, disqualification, or further action.

5. Safeguarding

5.1 Children & Vulnerable Individuals

Where applicable, the Festival:

• Takes safeguarding responsibilities seriously
• May appoint a safeguarding lead
• May require additional checks or controls for certain roles
• Expects children to be supervised by a responsible adult

Any safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately.

5.2 Reporting Concerns

Concerns relating to abuse, harassment, or safety will:

• Be treated seriously
• Be handled confidentially where possible
• Be escalated to external authorities if required

6. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The Festival is committed to:

• Equal treatment and opportunity
• Preventing discrimination on the basis of protected characteristics
• Encouraging diverse participation and representation
• Providing reasonable adjustments where feasible

Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

7. Accessibility & Inclusion

The Festival aims to:

• Use accessible venues where possible
• Communicate known access limitations clearly
• Consider reasonable adjustments upon request

Accessibility may vary by venue and event format.

8. Health & Safety

All participants must:

• Follow venue safety procedures
• Comply with emergency instructions
• Avoid restricted or unsafe areas
• Report hazards, incidents, or concerns promptly

Anyone posing a safety risk may be removed.

9. Alcohol, Drugs & Intoxication

• Illegal substances are strictly prohibited
• Excessive intoxication will not be tolerated
• Individuals under the influence may be refused entry or removed

10. Online Conduct

This policy also applies to:

• Social media interactions
• Email and messaging
• Virtual events or screenings

Online harassment, abuse, or misconduct will be treated the same as in-person behaviour.

11. Press, Media & Recording Conduct

All recording and photography must:

• Follow Festival accreditation rules
• Respect privacy and consent
• Comply with anti-piracy restrictions
• Avoid disruption to screenings or events

Unauthorised recording may result in removal or further action.

12. Reporting Behaviour Concerns

Participants may report concerns to Festival management.

The Festival will:

• Assess reports fairly
• Maintain confidentiality where possible
• Take appropriate action

Malicious or deliberately false reports may result in action.

13. Consequences of Breach

The Festival may take one or more of the following actions:

• Verbal or written warnings
• Removal from events or activities
• Disqualification of submissions
• Revocation of passes or accreditation
• Permanent exclusion from future events
• Referral to authorities where appropriate

All decisions are final.

14. Legal Compliance

Participants must comply with:

• UK law
• Venue regulations
• Safeguarding obligations
• Intellectual property and privacy requirements

15. Amendments

This policy may be updated at any time.

16. Acceptance

Attendance at, or participation in, Festival activities constitutes acceptance of this Conduct, Behaviour & Safeguarding Policy.