ScreenSkills and BIFA to launch new suite of inclusivity training

ScreenSkills and BIFA have announced two new advanced-level training programmes with an inclusivity focus – Anti-bullying and Harassment training and Fair Recruitment and Inclusivity in the Workplace training.

The new training initiatives will be run alongside Unconscious Bias Training, previously developed and funded by ScreenSkills in partnership with BIFA and designed to challenge professionals to recognise and challenge their subliminal assumptions.

The programmes will build on ScreenSkills’ entry-level e-learning modules. Those wishing to access the new training will therefore be expected to complete Tackling harassment and bullying at work and Addressing unconscious bias: basic awareness in the workplace prior to taking part. The online learning has so far been completed by more than 5,000 industry professionals and a new module on fair recruitment will soon be added to the e-learning suite.

The Unconscious Bias Training (UBT), which will return for a third year, is adapting to the shifting needs of the industry by being run in three different versions aimed at three different facets of the industry:

• UBT Creative Process is for writers, directors, executives, commissioners and anyone involved in the creative development of content
• UBT Physical Production is aimed at production crew
• UBT for All is suitable for anyone in the industry.

The suite of courses will run online from 18 August until March 2022 and is supported by the ScreenSkills Film Skills Fund with contributions from UK film productions. The sessions will be offered for £30+VAT, but bursaries will be made available as required to allow professionals to take part regardless of their circumstances.

The training will be facilitated by Challenge Consultancy who have developed and delivered the training on behalf of BIFA for the past three years.

Gareth Ellis-Unwin, ScreenSkills head of film and animation, said: “The screen industries are committed to opening up more opportunities to a greater diversity of talent and to creating a better place in which to work. This new suite of training, building on our e-learning and our past collaboration with BIFA, will give everyone the tools to help make this happen.”

Amy Gustin and Deena Wallace, co-directors of BIFA said: “We’re delighted to be able to build on this vital training. We’ve consistently received excellent feedback from participants and the new versions of Unconscious Bias Training offer even greater insights into how unconscious bias can be understood and mitigated in the creative and production process. We’re proud to add both Anti-Bullying and Harassment Training and Fair Recruitment and Inclusivity in the Workplace Training to the programme as important steps to support the industry. ScreenSkills’ continued support of this pioneering programme has been essential, and we’re grateful to be able to take this important step for the programme to keep developing our industry’s skills and reputation.”