Screen Producers Australia (SPA) today takes great pride in announcing the launch of a new industry e-learning course called Respectful Workplaces, developed to reduce the instances of harassment, discrimination and bullying in the screen industry.
After relaunching the National Guidelines for Screen Safety in 2021, SPA has taken the next step in creating a safer industry that attracts and retains top talent by creating the Respectful Workplaces e-learning course. The training breaks down negative perceptions and barriers based on things like individuals’ culture or sexual orientation and aims to build greater trust and respect in our workplaces.
The course focuses on personal obligations relating to sexual harassment, bullying, discrimination, and bystander laws with the materials customised to screen industry workplaces and scenarios under the guidance of an industry reference group represented by leading production companies, screen agencies and broadcasters.
In early 2023 a supporting database will also be launched to track who has completed the training, creating an industry accreditation system that will be built on with further e-learning courses in the future.
“We want everyone in our industry to understand the value of diversity and inclusion and how it directly benefits us and the productions our industry generates. Delivering a tailored, uniform and accessible training platform across the complexity of a gig-based sector solves a major challenge for everyone given that cast and crew are onboarded at different times and often work for multiple employers across a year.”
“The provision and receipt of the same regular and ongoing training about what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable behaviour sets a clear expectation and a common benchmark for everybody making it easier for employers as well as employees and contractors alike. This is the first and key foundation for what SPA anticipates will be a range of important e-learning modules that will be provided for the industry,” said SPA CEO Matthew Deaner.
As well as greater employee engagement, organisations and industries that focus on building a culture of respect typically enjoy better retention rates, greater ability to attract top talent, and report higher levels of overall workforce well-being.
Enrolments are now open, and SPA is encouraging all production companies to take advantage of the training as part of their obligation to create a safe and respectable workplace.
SPA Members can now enrol an unlimited number of their employees and agents (including crew, cast and volunteers) free of charge.
Non-SPA Members working on a SPA Member production interested in completing the training should speak to their supervisor and ask to be enrolled.
Non-SPA Members who would like to use Respectful Workplaces should contact SPA to discuss membership or direct licensing of the training.
SPA wishes to thank Screen Australia and Screen NSW for their funding support of this initiative, as well as the Screen Industry Reference Group and all stakeholders who have contributed to the development of the Respectful Workplaces training materials.
More information on respectful workplaces can be found at spa.swoogo.com/respect.
Link to Respectful Workplaces website and FAQ’s HERE.
Media Release – Screen Producers Australia
