While the members of our association recognise and adhere to Ofcom guidelines we also wish to ensure that we also adhere to our mutually adopted guidelines on victim protection in our productions to include, but not limited to, the following:
- Respecting the privacy and dignity of the victims and their families throughout the production process. Where possible obtaining their consent to participate in the programme and providing them with full information about the nature and scope of the production.
- Being sensitive to the potential impact of the programme on the victims and their families. Where possible ensuring that they are protected from any further harm or trauma.
- Carrying out a risk assessment on the impact any programme may have on contributors and others impacted by the crime.
- i. Potentially offer psychological support to contributors who may be vulnerable or have health or mental health concerns and assess their suitability as a contributor.
- Considering the potential impact of the programme on the wider community to ensure that it does not incite or encourage further criminal activity or stigmatise any particular group.
- Ensuring that the programme is fair, accurate, and unbiased. Presenting a balanced and objective account of the events. Conducting extensive research and fact-checking to verify the accuracy of all information presented in the programme, including the identities and backgrounds of the people involved in the crime.
- i. Police forces involved in the crime should be informed of production and where possible be invited to contribute.
- Respecting the legal and ethical boundaries of the jurisdictions in which the crimes occurred and seek appropriate legal advice to ensure that the programme does not infringe on the rights of any individuals or entities. Producers should pay particular attention to possible appeals, and probation issues.
- Being transparent and honest with all participants in the production process, including the victims, their families, and any other individuals or organisations involved in the programme – relatives of perpetrators should also be considered in this process.
- i. Contributors should be fully informed of the nature of the programme and the possible impact it may have before agreeing to be part of it.
- ii. Where possible all those who could be impacted should be informed of the programme’s existence and transmission.
- Complying with all applicable laws and regulations concerning privacy, data protection, and intellectual property rights, and ensure that all personal data is collected and stored in accordance with the relevant legal and ethical standards.
- i. Consider the owners of properties involved and their privacy.
- ii. Consider the privacy of innocent parties involved in the investigation eg. witnesses, suspects, etc.
- Provide freelancers and staff involved in the production process with access to appropriate wellbeing support, and ensure that they are fully aware of the support and resources available to them.
- i. Support services and guidance should be an option for vulnerable contributors or those with health issues, where appropriate and with a suitable timeframe agreed.
- Regularly reviewing and updating the production process to ensure that it continues to adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct and that any new challenges or issues are identified and addressed in a timely and appropriate manner.
- Advising participants or contributors of the dates of initial transmissions of the relevant programmes or series.
- Providing, where possible, a long term contact point for contributors (contact person and contact details).
- Consider and discuss providing advance viewing opportunities for participants, if appropriate.