Bosses Of British Broadcasting Union, Agents Body & Mark Milsome Foundation Urge Government Support For Preventing On-Set Injury: “We Call Upon Our Industry To Meet This Moment” – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pexels)
Senior figures across the UK’s film, television, and theatre sectors have delivered a stark open letter to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden, demanding support to curb rising workplace injuries.[1] The document, signed by 15 prominent stakeholders, follows last year’s Impact of Injury report, which exposed overlooked safety gaps and prompted widespread industry discussions. Leaders emphasized that protecting cast and crew remains essential to sustaining the sector’s global reputation.
A Call Rooted in Recent Revelations
The open letter arrived in the wake of the IPC’s Impact of Injury (IOI24) report, published in 2025, which laid bare high rates of workplace injuries among production workers.[1] That study detailed not only the physical toll but also disproportionately costly claims and the potential for severe mental health declines. Industry roundtables and consultations since then identified education and stricter regulations as key remedies.
Signatories positioned themselves as active participants in the needed reforms. They committed to crafting a comprehensive framework while seeking direct government involvement to ensure its success. The group specifically requested a meeting with the secretaries of state during their next gathering in October 2026.
Persistent Risks on Set
Workplace injuries have long shadowed the high-stakes world of UK productions. The IOI24 findings amplified conversations about physical demands on performers, such as inadequate communication regarding role requirements and insufficient on-set support structures.[1]
Recent high-profile cases underscored the urgency. Actress Sophie Turner sustained an injury during filming of the Tomb Raider series, leading to a production shutdown. Henry Cavill faced a setback on Highlander, contributing to delays. Veteran actor Ian McKellen fell during a performance of Player Kings, requiring hospitalization.[1]
Tragedies That Spurred Action
The Mark Milsome Foundation traces its roots to a preventable 2017 fatality on the set of Netflix-BBC series Black Earth Rising, where stunt coordinator Mark Milsome lost his life.[1] An inquest deemed the incident avoidable, galvanizing efforts for better protocols. This echoed internationally with the 2021 death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust, caused by a prop gun misfire.
Such events have fueled collaborations between BECTU – the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications and Theatre Union – the Personal Managers’ Association, which represents agents, and the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA), focused on anti-bullying and behavioral standards.[1] Together, these bodies formed the coalition driving the letter.
Who Signed the Letter
The 15 signatories represent a cross-section of expertise, from unions and agents to insurance specialists and casting directors. Their collective voice aims to bridge gaps in current safety measures.
- Tome Levi, Director, IPC
- Alexander Nicoll, Head of Media & Entertainment, Active Media Active Underwriting Specialists Ltd
- Abbi Collins, Chair, Mark Milsome Foundation
- Donna French, Council Co-chair, Personal Managers’ Association
- Kevin Brady, Council Co-chair, Personal Managers’ Association
- Matthew Hill, Chief Executive, Chartered Insurance Institute
- Pippa Stone, Head of Media and Entertainment, Markel International Insurance Company Ltd
- Andra Milsome, Founder, Mark Milsome Foundation
- Charlotte Knight, Council Co-chair, Personal Managers’ Association
- Jen Smith, CEO, Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority
- Philippa Childs, Head of BECTU
- Matt Hood, Managing Director, Spotlight
- Kelly Valentine Hendry, Owner, KVH Casting
- Fiona Williams, Council Co-chair, Personal Managers’ Association
- Paul Hillier, Director, Tysers
What Matters Now
The letter ties safety improvements to the government’s Creative Industries Sector Plan, quoting Nandy’s vision for the UK as the world’s top destination for film and TV by 2035. High injury rates undermine that ambition, the signatories argued.
Toward Systemic Safeguards
The coalition framed its plea within broader policy goals, noting that robust job quality demands low injury incidence. As the letter stated: “It is incumbent upon all stakeholders to recognise that the safety and welfare of our workforce is fundamental to safeguarding the world class product that the British stage and screen sectors offer.”[1]
By invoking “We call upon our industry to meet this moment,” the group signaled readiness for change while pressing ministers for partnership.[1] This initiative reflects a maturing sector intent on aligning creative excellence with worker protection, potentially setting a model for global standards.
With government ambitions for the creative industries at stake, the response to this letter could define progress in an area long in need of attention.
