UK - The Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) has announced the updated release of Guidance Note W3: Mental Health & Well-being in the Workplace, which will be published today, Friday 10 October, to coincide with World Mental Health Day.
This updated version of Guidance Note W3 includes revised content, new graphics, and dedicated guidance on being a witness to bullying - offering essential advice for those who observe bullying and harassment in the workplace. These enhancements aim to promote a safer, more respectful, and supportive culture within the performing arts sector.
To support the launch, the ABTT will host a free online seminar on Thursday 17 October at 12:30pm, where attendees can learn more about the updates and how to use the guidance effectively in their workplaces.
ABTT Guidance Note W3 provides practical direction for developing an organisational policy that supports a healthy and respectful working environment backstage. The note outlines 10 key principles that employers and organisations are encouraged to adopt - highlighting expected behaviours and, crucially, identifying behaviours that are not acceptable.
W3 is a part of the ABTT’s W Series of Guidance Notes, which focuses on legal duties and best practices for supporting workplace well-being. These notes are also included in the Code of Practice for the Theatre Industry in the UK, produced by the ABTT in collaboration with the National Theatre Safety Committee and recognised by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as an Established Standard.
“This important update to guidance note W3 is essential for us as a backstage community to call out bad behaviour. We need to feel more empowered to report and challenge language and communication that isn’t respectful. I really hope the bystanders intervention graphic can be used in your venue or on your show or event to help improve the culture towards welfare backstage.”
“The ABTT is committed to developing guidance supporting mental health and wellbeing of backstage workers,” says Liz Sillet, ABTT chief executive. This update offers additional guidance on how everyone can support each other in the workplace and ensure a healthy working culture backstage.”
