Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland is strongly committed to providing a work environment free from bullying and harassment of any kind, and providing robust support to the wider screen industry to do the same. By working closely with the industry to support the formation of guilds, and providing skills development courses and workshops that particularly focus on dignity in the workplace, employee relations and workplace wellbeing, our aim is to empower the industry to ensure their industry working conditions reflect best practice standards internationally.
In the latest published strategy, Fís Athnuaite: Strategic Plan 2025–2029, Screen Ireland remains committed to developing effective, robust policies and providing resources to ensure dignity and wellbeing in the workplace across the creative screen industries.
Speak Up: A Call for Change
Speak Up: A Call for Change is a report commissioned by the Irish Theatre Institute (ITI) on behalf of the Department, outlining the results of a comprehensive survey conducted on workers throughout the arts sector in Ireland. It found that the majority of the 1,300 respondents had experienced (70%) and/or witnessed (53%) some form of harmful behaviours (bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, humiliation, victimisation, assault and sexual assault) that undermine people’s right to dignity at work.
In response, the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin T.D., announced a robust suite of actions and additional funding in response to the recommendations outlined in the report. Among the actions cited is collaboration between the Department, the Arts Council and Screen Ireland on allocating public funding in line with the requirement to adhere to national guidelines and workplace safety (and reporting) processes. Also included in the measures announced is the expansion of existing resources and services that are provided free of charge to artists and arts workers. These include guidance on human resources, counselling, mediation and legal issues, where required.
You can find the Speak Up report and more on the ITI website
Minding Creative Minds
The Minding Creative Minds Wellbeing & Support programme (in association with Spectrum Life) offers wellbeing and counselling services to the entire Irish creative industry, which includes the film and television sector. It encompasses a counselling service for short-term intervention, telephone and video counselling, live chat and web portal, and a 24/7 dedicated phone line.
In addition to the mental health support system offered, Minding Creative Minds also offers access to a number of additional services structured to help users with various issues they may face, such as:
- Advice on practical, day-to-day issues that cause anxiety and stress
- Legal assistance for a range of issues
- Financial assistance and consumer advice
- Career guidance & life coaching
- Support for non-Irish nationals and their families
- Mediation for conflict resolution
Find more information on Minding Creative Minds on their website here.
Safe to Create
The Safe to Create initiative was announced by Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin in October 2022, following the recommendations set out in the Speak Up: A Call for Change report. It is a collaborative programme which aims to transform workplace culture and practices, and to provide safe and respectful working conditions for those working in the arts and creative sectors. Safe to Create is coordinated by the Irish Theatre Insitute (ITI) in partnership with the Arts Council, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland and Minding Creative Minds.
Screen Ireland in collaboration with Safe to Create have launched a series of certified self-led online courses addressing Dignity at Work which are accessible via Screen Ireland's online learning platform. These courses are provided free of charge and are suitable for anyone working in the arts and creative sectors, whether in full-time, part-time, short-term, or freelance capacity. To access these courses, please visit: https://learning.screenireland.ie
For more information and to learn more about Safe to Create, please visit safetocreate.ie