Performance/Entertainment Legislation - a pause for thought...........
? A child of any age can perform at a theatre (non-broadcast) up to 5 days without a GP Medical? BUT, A child of any age who performs in a broadcast performance must have a GP Medical from day one? WHY?
? In theatre (non-broadcast) 14 hours must elapse between the end of the previous days performance and the beginning of the following days performance? BUT, In film, TV (broadcast) performances 16 hours must elapse between the end of the previous days performance and the beginning of the following days performance? WHY?
- RESULTS - CHILD EMPLOYMENT WEEK 28 July to 1 August 2008 - Did you know that nearly 60 children are seriously injured or killed each year whilst working?
- SEE THIS LINK http://www.thestage.co.uk/features/letters/feature.php/21270/letter-new-regulations from our PR (and it's worth reading the other links relating to the Child Performance Regulations at the bottom of that page too)
- EVERYCHILD MATTERS - EVEN WHEN THEY'RE AT WORK DVD - Recognised for it's promotional content in support of the NNCEE's Campaign to persuade Government to modernise Child Employment and Entertainment Legislation. The recognition comes in the form of a nomination for the 'Best Promotion Award' ROYAL TELEVISION SOCIETYand subsequent WINNER OF THE CATEGORYatthe Society's Programme Awards 2008 presented in Leeds on 16th June
Introduction from the Chairman
Membership
Our membership comprises of people who have a responsibility for Child Employment and Children in Entertainment in the Local Authorities across England and Wales, a large group of people who have a passion for, and a wide base of experience as front line practitioners in the field of Child Employment.
Other professional people are joining from within commerce, industry and the entertainment world, something that we welcome and would encourage.
The full aims of the Organisation can be seen more fully within the written constitution but generally they are:
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to be non political
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to seek to continue a dialogue with government representatives with regard to all issues affecting child employment and entertainment.
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to support the membership in sharing good practice, and to offer advice and guidance where appropriate.
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to recognise and promote the safeguarding of children in the field of child employment and entertainment.
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to develop the future of the NNCEE in order to co-ordinate policy, research and planning in the National and European arenas.
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to campaign nationally to raise the profile of child employment and entertainment.
As an organisation we are aware of the need to seek change and improvements for children in our area of work. My predecessor has left a legacy of high stature and importance; it is my intention to continue to carry this mantle forward. More and more people are becoming acutely aware that the legislation surrounding child employment and entertainment is old, out of date and ‘Not Fit For Purpose’in today’s multicultural society. With over 200 pieces of legislation, some 75 years old, that affect children who work and the cause of confusion in interpretation and practice we have to be pro-active as an organisation in persuading government to review the legislation and to make the vital changes needed with all haste. We cannot wait until a serious or series of high profile accidents happen to children before changes are made, especially when the realisation and understanding for the need for change is already apparent to so many people.
Current initiatives
I am delighted to tell you that the NNCEE has several initiatives already underway to help in the need to encourage government to modernise the appropriate legislation and to issue statutory guidance. We have 2 working groups consisting of representatives from other organisations who have a vested interest they range from the NSPCC (Child Safeguarding), the Voluntary Sector for Theatre and Drama, Television Companies, Theatre Management, Theatre Schools, Parents, Entertainment Agencies, Children’s Legal Centre, TUC and Employers. Both working groups have a remit to look at and develop a voluntary ‘Code of Conduct’ with a view to establishing through government a statutory code enforceable through legislation. One working group is looking at Child Employment; the other at Children in Entertainment.
The Future
The NNCEE will continue to develop its organisation to support its members and partners. All development must include reaching out to others in the belief of needing to create uncomplicated common practice for the benefit of children enabling them to embrace opportunity in the knowledge that they do so legally and that the highest regard for their welfare is being addressed. We will maintain our right to continue to show our passion, our disappointment with the lack of action and the need to modernise Child Employment and Entertainment legislation for the benefit of children. We will strive to create further initiatives to raise public awareness of the regulations and issues. Thank you for taking the time to look at our web site. I trust that you will find it valuable and of use, please offer any suggestions that may help us to meet and develop our aspirations.
