1. Introduction

At Brilliant Trees Media, we are committed to providing a work environment that promotes dignity, respect, and fairness for all individuals. This policy outlines our commitment to preventing harassment, discrimination, and bullying, and ensuring that all employees, contractors, freelancers, and anyone else working with the company are treated with respect and valued for their contributions.

We believe that a positive, inclusive, and supportive workplace is essential for the success of our productions and the well-being of our teams. Everyone has the right to work in an environment free from inappropriate behaviour and to be always treated with dignity and respect.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

● Promote an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees and workers feel valued.

● Prevent and address any instances of harassment, bullying, or discrimination.

● Ensure that all individuals understand their rights and responsibilities regarding respectful behaviour.

● Provide a clear process for reporting and resolving concerns related to dignity and respect at work.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, freelancers, contractors, and anyone else working with Brilliant Trees Media, including during filming activities, meetings, social events, or any work-related activities.

4. Definitions

● Harassment: Any unwanted behaviour that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment, or violates an individual's dignity.

● Bullying: Repeated and persistent negative behaviour, including the abuse of power, that undermines the recipient’s confidence or wellbeing.

● Discrimination: Treating someone unfairly or less favourably because of their age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or any other characteristic protected by law.

● Respect: Treating others with fairness, consideration, and courtesy, valuing their opinions, feelings, and diversity.

5. Our Commitment to Dignity and Respect

Brilliant Trees Media is committed to:

● Fostering a work environment where every individual is treated with respect, kindness, and dignity.

● Promoting inclusivity and diversity within the workplace and in the content we produce.

● Taking all complaints of harassment, bullying, and discrimination seriously and addressing them promptly and fairly.

● Offering training and development to staff and contractors to ensure that everyone understands their

role in maintaining a respectful and professional work environment.

6. Expected Standards of Behaviour

We expect all individuals associated with Brilliant Trees Media to:

● Treat others with respect and courtesy, regardless of differences in background, personal beliefs, or

opinions.

● Communicate openly and honestly, while remaining professional in all interactions.

● Contribute to a positive and supportive working environment by valuing each other’s contributions.

● Uphold the principles of fairness and equality in all interactions and decisions.

● Be sensitive to others’ needs and feelings and avoid any behaviour that could be construed as bullying,

harassment, or discrimination.

7. Prohibited Behaviours

The following behaviours will not be tolerated at Brilliant Trees Media:

● Harassment: Including but not limited to verbal abuse, offensive jokes, inappropriate physical contact, or making someone feel uncomfortable because of their race, gender, sexuality, disability, age, or any other protected characteristic.

● Bullying: Repeated and deliberate mistreatment, including excessive criticism, humiliation, belittling, or excluding someone.

● Discrimination: Treating someone unfairly due to any of the protected characteristics, such as age, race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or nationality.

● Sexual Harassment: Any unwelcome sexual advances, comments, or behaviour, whether physical or verbal.

● Victimisation: Treating someone unfairly because they have made a complaint about harassment, bullying, or discrimination.

8. Reporting Dignity and Respect Concerns

Brilliant Trees Media encourages an open and transparent environment where individuals feel comfortable raising concerns about dignity and respect at work. If you experience or witness any behaviour that is inconsistent with this policy, you are encouraged to report it promptly.

8.1 How to Report

● Concerns should be reported to any senior member of staff or your line manager,

● Reports can be made in person or by email.

8.2 Investigation Process

● Upon receiving a complaint, Brilliant Trees Media will assess the situation and begin an investigation, which will be conducted in a fair and timely manner.

● All parties involved will be treated fairly, and their confidentiality will be respected to the extent possible.

● Individuals involved in the complaint will be given an opportunity to present their side of the story, and any necessary actions will be taken to address the issue.

8.3 Support

● Support will be offered to those involved in a complaint, including access to counselling or advice, where appropriate.

● Victimisation or retaliation against any individual for raising a concern will not be tolerated.

9. Disciplinary Action

If, after investigation, it is found that an individual has violated this policy, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. This may range from informal counselling to formal warnings or, in serious cases, dismissal.

The severity of the action will depend on the nature of the behaviour and whether it is a first-time or repeated offense.

10. Responsibilities

10.1 Responsibilities of Managers and Supervisors

● Managers and supervisors are responsible for setting a good example, promoting respect, and addressing any instances of inappropriate behaviour within their teams.

● They should ensure that their teams are aware of this policy and encourage open communication about dignity and respect at work.

● This policy should be distributed when onboarding new starters.

10.2 Responsibilities of All Employees

● All employees are responsible for fostering a positive work environment and should take proactive steps to challenge inappropriate behaviour.

● Employees should support colleagues who raise concerns and ensure that the workplace is inclusive, respectful, and free from harassment or bullying.

11. Training and Awareness

Brilliant Trees Media will provide regular training for key staff on issues related to dignity and respect at work,

including:

● Understanding what constitutes harassment, bullying, and discrimination.

● How to foster an inclusive and respectful workplace.

● How to report and respond to concerns.

● The importance of maintaining a culture of respect, both on-set and in all work environments.

12. Review of the Policy

This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure that it remains relevant and effective. Feedback from employees and workers will be sought, and any necessary updates or changes will be made. All individuals will be informed of any changes to the policy.

Approved by: Susanna Boccaccio

Managing Director (MD)

Date: 17/12/24

Brilliant Trees Media Management