Below you will find lots of important information about safeguarding at the BBC
Disclosure
Steps to take if a person reports a safeguarding concern to you:
- Stay Calm; Do not promise to keep a secret and explain that you will have to whatever you are told on to someone who may be able to help
- Listen carefully; Do not ask leading questions and confirm what you have been told
- Document what you have been told; Write down what you have been told as soon as you can - use the persons words
- Report your concerns ASAP; Report your concerns as soon as possible (within 24 hours) via the online system 'Report A Concern', or for Indies, via your BBC Commissioning Exec
- Reflect and practice self-care; Do you need any ? Your wellbeing is important
For more information about reporting a safeguarding concern, please click here
Child Performance legislation exists in order to protect the welfare of children and young people who take part in performances and to ensure they are protected from exploitation. The laws and regulations place a duty on Local Authorities to ensure the health, welfare and kind treatment of children involved in the entertainment industry and also to issue licences permitting their participation in such activities and performances.
There is a person or department responsible for child entertainment each Local Authority. They are responsible for issuing child performance licences, BOPA's, chaperone approvals and also ensuring that the conditions of these licenses are met and adhered to.
The application has to be made to the Local Authority where the child lives, not where the performance is taking place (unless the performance is covered by a BOPA).
Licensing at the BBC
If a child of school age is going to be contributing to BBC content, you need to consider in advance whether you need to obtain a Child Performance License, as the application process can take up to 21 days.
It is a legal requirement to apply for a licence when one is required and any person who causes or procures any child to do anything in contravention of the licensing requirement commits an offence and may be subject to a fine, imprisonment or both.
Performance licenses are generally required when children are being directed in some way. This could be singing, acting, dancing, presenting or compering (where this has an element of contrived performance), or taking part in so-called reality TV, i.e., where the child is manipulated/controlled or directed for the purposes of entertainment.
A child performance licence will be required if the child is:
- Appearing in any performance for which a charge is made, whether for ission or otherwise.
- Appearing in any performance on premises licensed to sell alcohol, e.g., in a hotel, a pub, or a theatre.
- Appearing in any live broadcast performance, for example, a television or radio broadcast, or internet streaming.
- Appearing in any recorded (by whatever means) for use in a broadcast or a film intended for public exhibition, e.g., a live stage performance recorded for a cinema screening, a feature film, a video or sound recording of a performance on a website.
- Being paid. However, a performance license may be required whether or not the child is paid.
Circumstances where a licence may not be required:
- The child is beyond 'leaving school age' (defined as 'the last Friday in June of the school year in which they reach 16 years of age' within England and Wales)*
- Observational documentaries where a child is filmed carrying out normal day-to-day activities, .i.e., playing in a park, participating in an ordinary school lesson, training for their sport.
- Child is filmed being themselves without direction.
- Daily news reporting
- News reports and interviews
- Being part of an audience (watching a show either in a studio, theatre or stadium)
*The mandatory school leaving age differs in Scotland; 'If you turn 16 between 1 March and 30 September you can leave school after 31 May of that year. If you turn 16 between 1 October and the end of February you can leave at the start of the Christmas holidays in that school year.'
BOPA
A BOPA ('Body of Persons Approval'), if granted, removes the need to apply for an individual licence for each child; it is granted to the organisation that is responsible for the performance. The approval is granted by the local authority where the performance is taking place; the local authority can grant the approval even if the children taking part do not live within its' boundaries.
It is the organisation which is approved not the children i.e. the local authority is confirming that the group or organisation is a ‘suitable’ or ‘approved’ group and therefore must be certain that they (the LA) have taken every reasonable precaution to ensure the group is indeed a suitable group.
Applying for and granting a BOPA will reduce the istrative burden for all parties, however the same principles apply in of safeguarding the child and ensuring there is proper provision to secure his health and kind treatment.
A BOPA can be granted to an organisation for a single performance or for a series of performances within a specified time providing no payment is made to the child or to anyone else in respect of the child taking part in the performance and the child does not require absence from school.
International Licensing
An International Child Performance Licence is similar to a Child Performance Licence but is for taking a child out of the UK to perform.
The licence is issued by a justice of the peace from the magistrates' court in the district where the child resides. The issuing of licences for children performing abroad is outside the remit of a local authority and under no circumstances is a local authority able to issue a licence for a child to perform abroad.
An international licence is required if the child is travelling abroad to take part in a performance or activity for for profit. This includes if the child or anyone else is being paid for the performance or if the company organising the performance is making or will make profit from it.
NNCEE
The National Network for Children in Employment and Entertainment (NNCEE) is an association of mostly local authority officers who have responsibility for the licensing of children of compulsory school age who are working part-time or talking part in performances and entertainment.
The NNCEE produce a helpful guide to child performance licensing, which can be accessed here.
Legislation
For more information about child performance licensing, including the relevant regional legislation and a helpful summary table, please visit the NNCEE website.
Parent FAQ's
What is a chaperone?
When a child performs in a BBC project, they will be supervised by a chaperone. This is a professional who will focus on the safety and wellbeing of your child. More information can be found here.
What is a Child Performance Licence?
In certain situations a child will need a Child Performance Licence, issued by their home Local Authority, to perform in BBC content. Licenses tend to be required in circumstances such as a child missing school to be involved in a performance. The BBC would submit the licence application to the Local Authority where your child lives, and we would work to any requirements set out by the Local Authority. More info? Click here.
How do you keep my child safe when they are contributing to BBC projects?
At the BBC, the safety and wellbeing of your child is our top priority. We have lots of measures in place to ensure your child feels comfortable whilst they provide their contribution, and importantly, we have lots of people who are trained to them should the need arise. Just some of the steps we take to safeguard children at the BBC include:
- Safer recruitment practices for all adults working on BBC output featuring children (this includes undertaking criminal record checks) and providing appropriate training
- All productions and events have a 'SPOC' who you can if you have any concerns
- Child-friendly facilities including separate toilets, changing spaces and relaxation areas
- from approved professionals, including psych testing (for some projects) and bespoke aftercare
- Full risk assessments that include both health & safety and safeguarding risks and mitigations
- Regular assurance visits are undertaken by the BBC Safeguarding Team to ensure productions and events are adhering to our requirements
Can I share photos of my child rehearsing with the BBC on my socials?
Probably not! Most BBC output is confidential until it airs or is made publicly available - it is important that we all protect the fantastic programmes and content that the BBC and your child is making, and this includes not openly discussing it on our socials or disclosing storylines etc. You may even be asked to sign an agreement to confirm you will not disclose confidential content. For more information, please speak to your BBC .
My child is nervous about taking part, how can I them?
We understand that being chosen to take part in something produced by or on behalf of, the BBC, can be a bit nerve-wracking - particularly if you haven't done anything like it before. All of the teams that work with children at the BBC are trained to children in order to bring out the best in them - the last thing we want is for a child to be unhappy during their time with us.
- It's important that children prepare properly for their contribution - getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet (including breakfast!) and staying hydrated are all vital in ensuring a child's physical and mental health remain in peak condition.
- Make sure your child knows who to report a safeguarding concern to whilst they are on set/location. All children (U18) will be allocated a professional, licensed chaperone who they can report any worries or concerns to.
- All BBC productions and events have a SPOC who is experienced at dealing with children's concerns (you should be given the SPOC's details either before or on arrival).
What clothes should my child wear for their involvement with the BBC?
If your child is playing a character role, or a specified part, they may be given clothes (a 'costume') to wear whilst on set. For other output, they may be required to ear their own clothes - either way, this will be specified in pre-production information that is sent to you.
Even if a costume is being provided, please ensure your child arrives suitably dressed in something comfortable and 'weather appropriate' (warm clothes and a waterproof coat for winter, lighter clothes for summer - they may even require a hat and sunscreen, although this should be applied prior to arrival and re-applied by your child or an identified chaperone that your child feels comfortable with only).
If wearing their own clothes, please ensure your child is comfortable and that the clothes do not feature any prominent logos/branding or vibrant patterns (this is especially important if they are filming with a 'green screen'). Again, your BBC will be able to advise on specific garments and footwear requirements.
What will my child eat whilst they are at the BBC?
Depending on the nature of your child's contribution, the production or event may have food and refreshments (known as 'catering') supplied. Catering is of a high standard and usually offers a variety of dishes and accompaniments to meet varying dietary needs. If your child has specific dietary requirements, please let your BBC know as soon as possible so we can meet your child's needs.
Children will generally be able to choose what meal they would like - this may be in a restaurant or 'canteen' if based in a studio (a bit like in school), or via mobile catering facilities if on location. Sometimes, catering facilities on location are even located in what looks like an old double decker bus! Exciting for younger children (and some adults too!).
Some productions or events may ask you to provide a packed lunch and snacks for your child; this is occasionally suggested if there is another person with a severe allergy that is difficult to manage. Bringing food from home is often comforting for younger children, or those with additional needs. There are a few requirements to observe:
- Avoid sugary, high-energy snacks like chocolate, sweets and fizzy/energy drinks
- Easy-peel fruit is always a good idea, but be mindful of any juices/seeds that could stain a costume
- Small packs of raisins, popcorn, fruit chips etc are great for slow-release energy
- A water-bottle (labelled with your child's name) would be beneficial
You should be asked to confirm your child's dietary requirements - please speak to your BBC who will be happy to your needs.
My child has an allergy. Who should I tell?
You should be asked to provide details of any allergies or additional needs your child may have prior to them participating in BBC output. Having any kind of medical or additional need will not prevent your child participating in BBC output, but it is important that that we are made aware of their individual needs in order to keep them (and others) safe at all times.
If your child takes a prescribed medication, please ensure you notify your BBC and agree how this will be istered and stored whilst on set/location.
My child can become anxious, can I come with them?
As a general rule, the BBC do not allow parents/carers to be present on set whilst their child is performing (unless your child has a specific medical or additional need, or it is a licensing condition that parent/carer is present). Each child will be fully ed from arrival by a professional, licensed chaperone, as well as the SPOC and wider cast/crew. At the end of their contribution, the chaperone will 'hand over' your child as per the identified travel arrangements.
If your child experiences anxiety, or has a mental health concern which may be exacerbated by contributing to BBC output, please speak to your BBC to ensure their needs can be met.
Restricted Duties
Any eligible adult (aged 16+ for the purposes of Criminal Records Checks) who is engaged by, or on behalf of, the BBC MUST work under 'restricted duties' until they are in receipt of a suitable, BBC-approved Criminal Records Check certificate.
Working under 'restricted duties' means you must not participate in any work-related activity that involves children (U18) unless under the direct supervision of an identified adult who has an Enhanced level DBS check (or is a member of the Scottish PVG Scheme).
The Role of The Supervisor
In order to supervise someone who is working under Standard Restrictions, you must:
- Hold at least an Enhanced level Criminal Records Check (or higher)
- Be able to dedicate time in your own role to effectively observe the work of the person who is working under restricted duties at all times when they are working with children.
- Feel confident to escalate any concerns about the individual to the Hiring Manager or BBC Safeguarding Team
Who Is Responsible For Ensuring Adherence To These Conditions?
Hiring Managers (both within the BBC or through an Indie) are responsible for ensuring that a person working under restricted duties is not given duties that breach these conditions. In practice, this should not impact productions, shoots or events as long as applicants have completed their part of the criminal records check application process in good time.
Risk Assessment
In addition to the mandatory health & safety requirements, a risk assessment should consider all aspects of how a child or vulnerable adult may suffer harm or abuse and how they will be safeguarded.
Safeguarding controls may include:
- Implementation and embedding of the BBC Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct
- A named lead person who is responsible for safeguarding on the project
- An understanding of the reporting and referral process
- Training & awareness, including regular briefings and updates
- Adult suitability, including safe recruitment processes and criminal records checks
- Child Performance licenses in place and adhered to
- Provision of Tutoring
- Suitable chaperoning
- Controlled Working Hours
- Safe environment, nourishment and transport
- Appropriate social media usage and monitoring for the child or young person and other adults
- Editorial Considerations including obtaining informed consent
- Adherence to all Health & Safety requirements
During planning, we should always consider that children and young people are generally:
- Vulnerable, have rights and should be given a voice;
- Less able to recognise danger and should be protected;
- Likely to be in an environment which is unfamiliar to them;
- Inquisitive, which can mean they are more likely to take risks whilst learning;
- Likely to be more prone to tiredness, anxiety and stress in response to pressure and long hours.
Free-Time Risk Assessment
If your production/event includes any 'free time' or is residential and may involve children or vulnerable adults engaging in leisure activities such as games (football etc), crafts (i.e. baking) or trips to bowling, museums, restaurants etc. a risk assessment should be completed by the chaperone, in conjunction with the SPOC.
This document should detail the potential risks involved and any steps taken to mitigate them i.e. travel to/from venue, road safety, stranger danger, first aid arrangements, allergies, missing children etc.
For more information about Risk Assessments at the BBC, please the BBC Safety Team or for Indies, your BBC Commissioning Exec.
Safer Recruitment
Safer recruitment is an essential part of safeguarding. Employers, including the BBC, must ensure that those adults (aged 16+ for the purpose of criminal records checks) are suitable to work safely with children. As part of it's safer recruitment responsibilities, the BBC has rigorous due diligence procedures in place, which may include:
- Criminal records checks for eligible adults
- Background checks including social media verification
- Responding to concerns identified through criminal record / background checks and assessing risk
- Engagement of Local Authority approved licensed chaperones only
- Obtaining references to confirm suitability
- Responding to inappropriate behaviour and allegations of abuse
For more information, please BBC HR.
Training
BBC safeguarding training is only available for BBC staff and freelancers who are engaged by, or on behalf of the BBC. Depending on the nature of your involvement with children and vulnerable adults, there are a number of courses that may be mandatory.
- Safety, Security and Safeguarding - This short, online module focuses on the three key areas required to keep everyone, including children and vulnerable adults safe whilst engaged by the BBC. Basic safeguarding principles that everyone needs to know - such as what is safeguarding, how to identify and raise a concern, and where to go for help, are included in this course. This course is mandatory for all BBC staff.
- Safeguarding Advanced - This is a two-hour online course delivered by a BBC Safeguarding Specialist and focuses on key safeguarding areas including Safeguarding at the BBC, Staff Checks, Risk Assessments and Concerning Adult Behaviour. This training is mandatory for anyone who has applied for an Enhanced or Enhanced (with Barred List) DBS check (or regional equivalent) and will be auto-assigned to eligible individuals upon completion of the criminal records check.
All BBC training is booked through 'My Development' on the internal BBC Academy Gateway site (BBC required). BBC safeguarding training is required to be renewed every 3 years (or before if a new criminal records check is requested).
Indies
Indies should undertake appropriate safeguarding training for a reputable source such as the NSPCC. Evidence of completion of safeguarding training will be required as part of the BBC Safeguarding assurance visit.
Chaperones
In order to be engaged by the BBC, or through a third party engaged to produce BBC output, licensed chaperones must be able to evidence completion of the NSPCC 'Protecting children in entertainment' training course (completed within the last 3 years).
Unit Drivers
In order to be engaged by the BBC, or through a third party engaged to produce BBC output, licensed taxi drivers who may be engaged as production 'unit drivers' are advised to complete the NSPCC 'Safeguarding training for bus and taxi drivers' training course.
BBC Editorial Training
The BBC Academy host various training content in relation to the safeguarding and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults, from an editorial perspective. These courses are voluntary, but are beneficial for any BBC staff or relevant freelancers who are planning on working with children or vulnerable adults on BBC projects.
Types of Abuse and Neglect
For the most recent definitions of child abuse and neglect (including signs and indicators), please refer to the UK's leading charity for child protection, the NSPCC
