In a landmark move for the UK’s screen industries, the BFI, BAFTA albert, and ScreenSkills have jointly launched the country’s first National Occupational Standards (NOS) and skills checklists for sustainability roles in film and television production. The initiative represents a critical step in formalising and expanding the industry’s environmental workforce and tools—paving the way for greener, more professionalised sets across the country.
Developed in consultation with UK-based practitioners and international sustainability experts, the new NOS and checklists offer clear definitions for roles such as sustainability lead, coordinator, and assistant. They also outline a structured, three-tiered departmental model for on-set sustainability — something previously lacking in most UK productions.
The tools are available now through ScreenSkills, and are expected to become a core resource for recruiters, training providers, and producers seeking to align with net-zero targets.
“This is a vital step in equipping our industry with the tools and talent needed to cut emissions and help achieve net zero by 2050,” said Matt Scarff, Managing Director of BAFTA albert. “Having dedicated sustainability experts on set ensures meaningful impact.”
🛠 Defining the Role of Sustainability in Production
Until now, sustainability roles in film and TV have often been informal or ad hoc—dependent on individual producers or freelance knowledge rather than clear hiring and training pathways. The new standards aim to shift that paradigm by defining occupational competence, providing practical hiring guides, and embedding sustainability into the core of production planning.
“These standards help define occupational competence and bring consistency to a sector that often relies on informal recruitment,” noted Sara Whybrew, BFI Director of Skills and Workforce Development.
The resources offer:
- Clear job descriptions for sustainability-focused crew members
- Defined progression routes within sustainability departments
- Templates for crew onboarding and upskilling
- Guidance for freelance career development in green practices
🎓 Training, Funding, and the Future Workforce
As part of the BFI’s £30 million National Lottery-funded workforce strategy, this sustainability push complements other major investments in training, equity, and regional skills development across the UK.
“It’s inspiring to see the sector come together to create unified resources that support both employers and freelancers,” said Tim Weiss, ScreenSkills Director of Vocational Skills and E-learning.
In parallel, the BFI, BAFTA albert, and ScreenSkills continue to promote low-carbon production practices across departments—from transport and catering to lighting and post-production.
As streaming giants, broadcasters, and indie studios ramp up their commitments to climate action, these standards offer the kind of structure and clarity many producers have been asking for. They signal not only a commitment to net-zero by 2050, but also a belief that green production can be rigorous, well-resourced, and career-worthy.
With production volume growing across the UK, and environmental scrutiny increasing, this unified framework ensures sustainability isn’t an afterthought—it’s part of the job.
The full National Occupational Standards and skills checklists are available now via ScreenSkills, free to use by employers, freelancers, educators, and production teams.