Ofcom broadcasting code refresher

As part of the Mind your business strand, we're offering training in a range of areas related to business management & development, production finance, legal & business affairs, rights, and compliance, giving individuals the tools needed to thrive in their chosen field in unscripted TV. 

In this 90-minute session, using clips and examples to bring issues to life, Clare will guide you expertly through some of the key provisions in the Ofcom Broadcasting Code, the industry code that directly affects programme makers and their content.

Who it's for

UK Commissioning broadcasters will expect programmes to be delivered to them fully compliant with the Ofcom Broadcasting Code. The Code affects all forms of content, but this session will be particularly relevant to those working at all levels in the factual and factual entertainment sphere, who are looking to refresh themselves on some of the key rules. 

The majority of the Unscripted Skills Fund online short course offering is for those at early career stage and above. As a result, we generally require applicants to have at least three credits (unless working in a traditionally uncredited role). If you strongly feel you would still benefit from the training, please email USF@screenskills.com so we can assess if an exception should be made.

We are committed to ensuring all our courses are accessible to everyone. This course is designed to be as interactive as possible. Please email the above address if you have any access requirements and we will be delighted to help, be that clarifying the form such interaction is likely to take or discussing reasonable adjustments.

What it covers

The focus of this session will be navigating harm and offence, fairness, privacy and duty of care. There will also be a Q&A at the end.

Trainer

Clare Hoban is a highly experienced content lawyer across television, film, audio and print. Clare started her 20-year specialism in content in print, followed by years as a senior television content lawyer at the BBC. Clare now works across industry advising broadcasters, production companies and podcast producers at Reviewed & Cleared.

Clare has an in-depth understanding of how television is made and enjoys long-standing, trusted relationships with broadcasters, production companies and industry insurers.

She prides herself on her calm, practical and creative approach and her experience spans every genre from drama, factual entertainment and comedy through to undercover investigations, current affairs, live records and news reporting.

Clare regularly advises on content following the work of the emergency services, including police and medics, and is actively sought out to help navigate issues including duty of care, consent and privacy.

Over the years, Clare has advised on a large number of high-profile, controversial documentaries and factual dramas. She has also advised on hundreds of hours of live, ‘as live’ and fast-turnaround output including high-risk entertainment and current affairs.

How to apply

This session will take place online via Zoom. Click ‘apply for ticket’ and follow the instructions to apply for your place: you must login or register before you are able to complete your application.

Places on these free online courses are limited and applications are often highly competitive. To stand the best chance of securing a place, please be sure to consider the following:

• When asked to list your three most recent credits, please include the programme title and your job role.
• When asked what you hope to gain from the course, please be concise but ensure you cover the specific elements of the topic you would like to gain knowledge of and what gaps in your skillset you believe the course may address.
• A rewording of the course title or a general comment on career progression does not tell us much about how this course would benefit you.

If you are no longer able to attend, we ask you to please use the 'decline ticket' function on the right hand side of the page so that we can release your place. Our sessions are often oversubscribed, so we’d like to give other freelancers the opportunity to fill available spots. Thank you for your consideration.

This session is supported by the ScreenSkills Unscripted TV Skills Fund which invests in training for the unscripted workforce thanks to contributions from broadcasters, SVoDs and production companies.

This course would normally cost participants to attend, but thanks to this support, we are able to offer it to you for free. If you fail to attend, we reserve the right to request reimbursement of costs, unless your place can be taken by someone else.