Newsletter

Current Newsletter - February 1st 2011

There's something of a theme to this month's Newsletter -- the pitfalls involved in hospitality, unpaid interns, and storing personal data -- but on a more cheery note, very positive discussions continue re implementing the BBC Trust's recommendations, this year's Radio Production Awards will be launched soon, and there's a couple of good conferences and exhibitions coming up.  Read on ...

The Bribery Act
You've probably seen mention of the new Bribery Act that passed into law last April, applies across the UK (including the devolved nations) and actually comes into force this April.  While originally headlined as tackling the kind of scandals associated with past defence contracts to countries where bribery is allegedly the norm, it is very widely drawn.  It's not just active bribery -- there's an offence of 'failing to prevent bribery' for example -- and over-lavish hospitality (maybe not too much of a risk in our sector) could in principle be a criminal act.  The Government is reviewing the Act in the light of criticism from business, but it's best to be ready. An internet search for 'Bribery Act UK' will bring up numerous pages of advice from legal firms, accountants and others.

Unpaid internships
If you've had anyone working for you, unpaid, for more than a few weeks in recent times, beware that you may be faced with a claim for pay regardless of what was agreed at the time.  The NUJ is currently running a campaign encouraging members to make just this kind of claim, following an Employment Tribunal decision in November 2009 in favour of an intern who worked in a production company for expenses only.  A genuine 'work placement' of just a few weeks is probably OK -- anything more than that and the National Minimum Wage probably applies.  If you follow Skillset's guidance (search their website for "internship") your company should be OK but, as always, if in doubt seek legal advice.

Data Protection and Security
You will shortly get an email from the BBC with guidelines on data security, with our logo on them as well.  They are rather onerous, but the consequences of losing files or equipment with the personal details of anyone you deal with could be serious -- both for them and for your corporate reputation, and could lead to prosecution. Looking at the guidance it's hard to see how any RIG member could justify not registering with the Information Commissioner, encrypting all laptops and memory sticks, keeping paper files in a locked cabinet when not in use, and so on.

Imison and Tinniswood Awards for Radio Drama
The Society of Authors and Writers’ Guild would like to remind you to send your submissions for the Imison and Tinniswood Awards by 4 February 2011.  The Imison Award (£1,500) encourages new talent by rewarding the best original radio drama script by a writer new to radio. The work must have been first transmitted in the UK in 2010, and must be the first dramatic work by the writer(s) that has been broadcast. Submissions will be accepted from any party.  The Tinniswood Award (£1,500) honours the best original radio drama script broadcast in the UK in 2010.  Further details, including application forms, can be found at www.societyofauthors.net/prizes-radio-drama-broadcast Please email jmccrum@societyofauthors.org if you have any queries.

Update on the RPAs
The Radio Productions Awards 2011 now has its major sponsor (Prism Sound/SADiE) and Nominations Night sponsor (Hill Dickinson) with a 'soft launch' for early March, full launch at the RPIN Conference on 22 March, Nominations Event end May/early June, Awards Ceremony later in June.  The MC will again by Jon Holmes, and this year's chair of the judges will be Mark Storey.  More soon.

Coming Soon ...
the Radio Productions Awards 2011 will run later in the year than last time, details to follow

Our Partner organisations:

Legal Services Scheme, provided by Hill Dickinson LLP. Always open to new members, joining fee still just £ 295, access to standard contract templates, free first-line advice and discounted legal services. Contact the RIG Administrator Kim Mason to join

ACJ, our recommended insurer. Knowledgeable about the radio sector and discounts to RIG members. Contact Simon Miller at ACJ, mentioning RIG membership, on 01206 500000

Radio Academy. As above -- RIG is now a patron, anyone in a member company gets free membership, contact Mike Hally initially

Contact details:

Radio Independents Group, admin address: c/o Kim Mason, 21 Pembroke Rd, Muswell Hill, London N10 2HR
registered office: 54 Caunce Street, Blackpool, FY1 3LJ

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