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Sometimes contributors are already vulnerable due to mental health issues (or other reasons) and require specific support and adjustments. Other times it's the format or nature of the programme which can impact a contributor’s wellbeing (i.e. competitive, high stakes, exposing, immersive, a sensitive topic). And sometimes it’s both. 

What is the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳’s duty of care to contributors?

It is of course the right thing to do to ensure that involvement in a ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ programme is not harmful (physically and psychologically) to a contributor. In July 2019, OfCom proposed new rules to ensure that people who take part in television and radio shows are properly looked after by broadcasters. It’s important to consider contributor wellbeing all of the time, but particularly when contributors are vulnerable or where the format or topic of the programme has the potential to negatively impact their wellbeing. See Recommended Links for details of the OfCom consultation.

What should production teams be doing?

You can find detailed guidance on protecting contributors in the ‘Psychological Wellbeing: Guidance for Protecting Contributor Wellbeing’ in the Useful Documents section. Although every programme and every contributor is different, to ensure all angles are covered, it is useful to think about contributor wellbeing in terms of ‘before’, ‘during’ and ‘after’ making the programme. Below are the key practical considerations at each stage.

Before

• Background / history â€“ is there anything in the contributor’s history which concerns you about their wellbeing and needs to be followed up on? i.e. mental health issues, previous suicide attempts, substance abuse, a relationship breakdown, living arrangements etc.  Look out for anything significant which might affect their wellbeing and therefore need to be considered in the context of their contribution.
• Emergency point of contact â€“ ensure you have an emergency contact for any vulnerable contributors. Where there are significant mental health issues, a crisis plan can also be useful, so everyone knows what to do if a contributor’s mental health deteriorates to crisis point during their involvement with the programme.  See ‘Supporting Contributors in Crisis’ in Useful Documents for detailed advice.
• Identify and understand any risks â€“ use a risk assessment approach (see ‘Psychological Safety Risk Assessment Example’ in Useful Documents) to identify specific hazards which might affect the contributor’s mental wellbeing once they get involved in making the programme, e.g. disclosing a sensitive issue for the first time, impact of an existing mental health issue (or medication), likely social media attention, reaction from family / friends to programme.
• Plan measures to minimise the above risks, e.g. adjustments during filming (breaks, timing around medication), allowing contributors to see interview questions in advance, additional support, social media training. It’s best to ask what might help and discuss it together.
• Engage a psychological specialist early in the process if required (see ‘Guidance on the Use of External Psychological Specialists’ in Useful Documents for guidance). If a contributor is particularly vulnerable or the nature of the programme could have a significant impact on their wellbeing, it is important to seek specialist input. A psychological specialist with media experience can offer assistance in a number of ways, including assessing a contributor’s suitability to be involved in the programme (including recommendations for managing any psychological risks), providing general advice about psychological risks and duty of care to the production team, providing psychological support to contributors during and after making the programme.
• Manage expectations - ensure all contributors are aware of what their involvement in the programme will entail (both positive and negative), including exposure on social media. Where contributors are vulnerable, take extra time to explain this clearly and ensure it is understood.
• Keep adequate records to demonstrate steps taken to protect wellbeing of contributors.
• Plan aftercare (to be flexed if needed) – don’t leave this until afterwards. If a contributor is particularly vulnerable, or the programme format is challenging for wellbeing, ensure proportionate aftercare is planned and budgeted for.

During

• Point of contact - give contributors a clear, single point of contact for any welfare concerns.
• Consider the impact of editorial techniques â€“ for example, introducing a surprise as part of the programme format may be difficult for someone with certain mental health issues to cope with, cutting an interview in a certain way could trigger a negative reaction to someone who is already vulnerable.
• Check in regularly – don’t wait until there’s a problem; regularly check how contributors are finding the process and arrange additional support / make changes as needed.
• Take extra care during filming / recording â€“ when contributors are vulnerable, it can be useful to remind them of exactly what to expect, who is there to support them if needed, go through schedules in detail, allow extra time and be patient.
• Keep the contributor informed on their participation pre-TX

After

• Retain contact with contributors if appropriate to monitor any after effects – if a contributor is receiving aftercare or if the programme has been particularly challenging for them it may be appropriate to keep in touch. It’s important to have boundaries around this – use a production phone and clarify when the contact will end.
• Implement agreed specialist aftercare if relevant – ensure arrangements are clear and well communicated (it should never be open ended)
• Advise on steps to manage social media contact post-TX (see ‘Contributor Wellbeing Handout’ in Useful Documents section)