Welcome to Sheffield DocFest
We aim to create a safer festival, where we care and look out for each other.
Through the films we showcase and the talent we develop, we aim to celebrate difference, promote equality, and challenge injustice.
We are committed to providing an environment that is welcoming, accessible, and inclusive for all festival guests and attendees, and for all team members and volunteers, in-person and online.
By operating an active anti-discrimination stance as an anti-racist (including antiSemitism and Islamophobia) anti-sexist, anti-homophobic, anti-transphobic organisation, we intend to play a strategic role in the culture of our society.
Harassment or harmful behaviour has no place at our Festival or on any of our online platforms. We are all responsible for our own actions, and we are all entitled to a safe and positive experience.
By participating in DocFest events, in Sheffield and online, you agree to abide by and embrace our shared code of conduct. Anyone violating these principles will be asked to stop and are expected to comply immediately, and, at the discretion of the organisers, may be expelled from the activity, event or viewing (without refund). Harassment can include, but is not limited to:
• Abusive comments and insults;
• Prejudice (eg, related to gender identity and expression, sexuality, age, race, ethnicity, religion/belief, disability, physical appearance, body size, or socio-economic background);
• Deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following;
• Unwelcome touching or sexual attention;
• Invasions of private space and personal boundaries;
• Violence or aggression;
• Harassing photography or recording;
• Sustained disruption of events or activity;
• Cyber-harrasement, online bullying or trolling;
• Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behaviours.
We encourage all attendees, participants and users to be active bystanders.
During your interaction with us, if you feel unsafe or unwelcome, notice someone else being harassed, or have any other concerns, you can tell a member of staff or email saferfestival [at] sheffdocfest.com
If you tell us about an incident, your immediate safety will be our first priority. We will listen from a position of belief, and keep what you say in confidence until and if agreed otherwise, and can recommend relevant support agencies and services.
Helpful Information
Film + TV Charity
Helpline: 0800 054 0000
Hours: 24 hours a day
Problems and questions can arise at any time. They don’t wait until office hours. That’s why we bring you a 24/7 Support Line which is free and confidential, for those working in the industry. Any time of day or night, you can get in touch with us. Either pick up the phone, email or click online chat – whatever’s most comfortable for you. Feel free to contact our friendly and well-trained team about anxiety, harassment, mental health, financial troubles – we have lots of experience and can give you quick and discreet advice.
Mental Health Hotlines, National Health Service
Hours: Vary by service
These helplines and support groups can offer expert advice and support on a wide range of mental health areas.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/
Cybercrime Victim Support
If you’ve experienced cybercrime, you can contact the charity Victim Support for free and confidential support and information.
https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/crime-info/types-crime/cyber-crime
National Cyberbullying Helpline
Helpline: 0845 22 55 787
Cyberbullying is bullying and harassment using technology. This includes trolling, mobbing, stalking, grooming or any form of abuse online. Cyberbullying is most certainly on the increase - more and more cases are being reported to our helpline.
https://www.nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk/cyberbullying.html
Stop Hate UK
Helpline: 0800 138 1625
Hours: 24 hours a day
Stop Hate UK offer independent and confidential Hate Crime reporting services in commissioned areas around the UK, whether you are a victim of Hate Crime, you have witnessed incident you believe to be a Hate Crime or you are a third party to an incident that could be a Hate Crime. There are a range of ways to report Hate Crime, either online, by text or by post.
South Yorkshire Police
Call 101 or if an emergency 999
You can report Hate Crime online via the South Yorkshire Police website but you can also report hate crime to other agencies if you prefer. There is a list of reporting centres online.
https://www.southyorkshire.police.uk/find-out/crime-prevention-advice/hate-crime/
We welcome any comments and suggestions that can help us to develop our Code of Conduct: saferfestival [at] sheffdocfest.com.
Policy updated 29 May 2022
