Respect at Work Policy

Version: 1.0
Effective Date: 15/12/2025
Approved by: Chris Jones and Guy Natanel (Directors)

Review Date: Annually or as required

1. Purpose and Scope

Preston Street Films is committed to providing a working environment that is safe, inclusive, professional and respectful. This Respect at Work Policy sets out the standards of behaviour expected of everyone working for or representing Preston Street Films and explains how concerns will be raised and addressed.

This policy applies to all individuals engaged by Preston Street Films, including employees, freelancers, contractors, interns, volunteers, suppliers, and any other persons working on or in connection with our productions. It applies in all work-related contexts, including offices, studios, locations, travel, accommodation, work-related social events, and online or digital spaces.

2. Our Commitment

Preston Street Films is committed to:

Maintaining working environments that are free from bullying, harassment, discrimination and other harmful behaviour.
Treating all individuals with dignity, fairness and respect.
Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion as core professional values.
Providing clear, accessible and supportive routes to raise concerns.
Ensuring that anyone who raises a concern is treated seriously and protected from retaliation.
Learning from issues raised to continuously improve our culture, policies and practices.

3. Definitions

Harmful Behaviour
Any behaviour that causes, or is likely to cause, physical, psychological or emotional harm. This includes (but is not limited to) bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, victimisation, intimidation, abuse of power or authority, and unwanted conduct.

Workplace
Any physical or virtual environment where work-related activities take place, including filming locations, production offices, rehearsals, meetings, travel, accommodation, social events connected to work, and digital communications such as email, messaging platforms and social media when used for work purposes.

Protected Characteristics
Characteristics protected under UK equality law, including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

4. Expected Standards of Behaviour

Everyone working for or representing Preston Street Films is expected to:

Act professionally and treat others with courtesy, dignity and respect.
Refrain from any form of bullying, harassment, discrimination or abusive behaviour.
Be mindful of the impact of their words, actions and behaviour on others.
Respect personal boundaries and differences in background, identity, culture, beliefs and experience.
Comply with all relevant company policies, codes of conduct and legal obligations.

Unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated, whether it occurs once or repeatedly.

5. Responsibilities

5.1 All Individuals

All individuals have a responsibility to:

Uphold the standards set out in this policy.
Speak up or seek support if they experience or witness behaviour that breaches this policy.
Cooperate with any investigation carried out under this policy.

5.2 Managers, Producers and Team Leaders

Those in positions of responsibility have additional duties to:

Lead by example and model respectful, inclusive behaviour.
Take reasonable steps to prevent harmful behaviour within their teams.
Respond promptly and appropriately to concerns or complaints.
Ensure that team members are aware of this policy and how to access support.
Escalate concerns where necessary and maintain confidentiality.

5.3 Bystanders

Where it is safe and appropriate, individuals are encouraged to:

Challenge inappropriate behaviour.
Offer support to colleagues who may be affected.
Report concerns through the appropriate channels.

6. Reporting Concerns

6.1 Raising a Concern

Anyone who experiences, witnesses, or becomes aware of behaviour that may breach this policy is encouraged to raise it as soon as possible. Concerns can be raised:

Informally, where appropriate and safe to do so.
With a line manager, producer, or designated company contact.
Through any confidential or anonymous reporting mechanisms made available by Preston Street Films.

No one will be penalised for raising a genuine concern in good faith.

6.2 Confidentiality and Protection from Retaliation

All concerns will be handled sensitively and, as far as possible, confidentially. Retaliation, victimisation or disadvantage against anyone who raises a concern or participates in an investigation is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action.

7. Investigation and Outcomes

All reports will be assessed promptly, fairly and impartially.
Investigations will be proportionate to the nature of the concern and conducted with respect for all parties involved.
Where a breach of this policy is found, appropriate action will be taken. This may include training, mediation, changes to working arrangements, formal warnings, or termination of employment or engagement.
Outcomes will be communicated appropriately, while respecting confidentiality.

8. Support

Preston Street Films recognises that raising or being involved in a concern can be difficult. Where appropriate, the company will provide or signpost support, which may include:

Wellbeing or mental health support.
Access to independent advice or counselling.
Adjustments to working arrangements during or after an investigation.

9. Training and Awareness

All individuals will be made aware of this policy and their responsibilities under it.
Managers and those in leadership roles will receive additional guidance and training to support the effective implementation of this policy.
Training and awareness initiatives will be reviewed and updated regularly.

10. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

Preston Street Films will:

Monitor the effectiveness of this policy.
Review trends and feedback arising from concerns and reports.
Use learning from incidents to improve working practices and prevent recurrence.

11. Breach of Policy

Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contract. Serious breaches may also be reported to external bodies where required by law.

12. Review

This policy will be reviewed at least annually, or sooner if required by changes in law, industry standards or company operations.

Preston Street Films expects everyone working with us to contribute to a culture of respect, safety and professionalism.