Children,Young People and Work Experience
Common Questions

Children under 18 must be supervised under the Child protection policy. For those under 16 involved in a production this will mean that they must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or licensed chaperone. Parents who are not licensed chaperones may not be responsible for children other than their own.

 

There are arrangements in place through the Child Protection Policy to ensure that those who are in a position of trust with children are appropriately vetted. These will include staff whose roles may involve caring for, training, supervising or being in sole charge of those under 18.

Where groups of children are to participate in our programmes, as audience members or as contributors, we need to ensure that they are properly supervised. It is preferable to ensure that they are accompanied by those who know them well and are competent to supervise a group e.g. their teachers or scout leaders.

Send letters to parents / guardians covering the child protection measures and the health and safety arrangements in place. It is important to tell all those involved in our work about the risks to their health and safety identified and the measures put in place to control them. It is particularly important for children and their parent or guardians. For those under 16, you must provide that information in writing, to their parents (or guardians) before the child comes onto site with enough time for the parent/guardian to comment on the arrangements.

There are restrictions on the numbers of hours and the days that children and young people are allowed to work. The hours that children and young people are allowed to work vary according to their age and whether they are attending school. There are restrictions when it comes to work before 0700 or after 1900 and if working on a Sunday.

BBC Rights group will advise on all aspects of child licensing. In a nutshell where a child is engaged to take part in a performance they should usually* be licensed by the local education authority (including if the participation is to be at weekends, during school holidays and after school hours). Children are not to be required to work beyond their local authority licence agreement. The schedule should include adequate rest breaks.

The Regulations and licenses include specific restraints on safety issues that may affect the child. The conditions will include rest, education and recreation periods that must be taken throughout the day. The number of days and hours a child or children will be required for a production, which includes rehearsals, has to be calculated in advance in order for licenses to be granted.

Particular licences are needed outside the UK and Irish Republic. BBC Rights group is able to provide advice and apply on behalf of the production. Be aware the process takes time. The licence will need to be signed by parent or guardian and supporting documentation has to be supplied.

 

* See Child Licence Exemptions for further details on exceptions.

Work experience requests should be directed through the HR department. 

The following should help you draw up risk assessments, supervision arrangements and training plans. It is important to have these in place before the child arrives and must be given in writing to the child's parent or guardian.

 

What information will be given?

 

What are the arrangements for supervising the child, bearing in mind that no BBC staff may be put in a 'caring' role?

 

How will any change in arrangements and risk assessment be communicated to others involved?