This update covers the implementation of a new feedback form for the freelancers we work with, an audit of the language used on our website and an update to our UK film exhibition workforce survey.
Freelancer feedback form
As part of our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, we’ve committed to working with a broader range of people when selecting speakers, writers, designers and other freelancers, as well as evaluating their experiences.
In October 2023, we began gathering this feedback on Typeform, a free software stylised to look like a messaging service. We wanted this to feel as informal as possible, and ensure the process is not too laborious for people. Information is kept anonymous, so people can give open and honest responses. The short form covers nine questions centred around their own personal experience, including such questions as, ‘Is there anything we could have done to make the experience better for you’ and ‘Were you paid quickly?’ The second part includes a diversity monitoring form, which people are able to skip if they wish to do so.
Gathering this data will help us to work towards our goal of broadening who we are working with across all projects, as the information we have on individuals is usually anecdotal. This form allows us to keep a more accurate picture of who we commission, as well as helping us to improve the experience for those we work with.
Website language
We’re currently reviewing the language used on historical pages on the ICO website – starting with our training courses, film distribution pages, Screening Days film descriptions and Advice & Info resources and guides – to ensure it is inclusively and thoughtfully worded in line with our EDI objectives.
Update to UK film exhibition workforce survey
In 2022, we decided to survey the independent exhibition workforce in the UK to collect employment data for our sector. This gave us an important understanding of how representative our workforce is of the UK population, and an important tool for lobbying for more support to counter the lack of representation we can see is evident. This type of data had not been collected for over a decade and, with 602 responses, this is the most comprehensive survey ever undertaken of the UK film exhibition sector.
In May 2023, we published an updated version of the survey which shows some new findings based on data from the 2021 UK census, which became available in 2022 and 2023.
EDI Working Group
ICO’s EDI Working Group met in November 2023. Made up of three trustees and five staff members, the group met to discuss the BFI’s new preferred terms of communication, plans to develop our Programming Charter, and the survey results from freelancers we have worked with in the last six months.