Overview
The screen sector is dependent upon the talent it develops, retains and progresses. Much research, including the Film and TV Charity’s Looking Glass Report, as well as the BFI’s own 2022 Skills Review, point to the multiple issues and failings by the sector to consistently meet the various principles of good and fair work practices.
Failing to operate within Good Work principles means we are also closing our doors to vital talent, preventing the sector from meeting ambitions to secure a workforce that is both representative of the UK’s population as well as one that is suitably skilled.
The BFI continues to play a close role in the DCMS and Creative Industries Council’s Good Work Review Action Plan, which the Good Work Programme for Screen is part of.
You can apply for up to £2.4 million of National Lottery funding to support the delivery of the next phase of the Good Work Programme for Screen between July 2026 and March 2029. Your programme must drive sector engagement with resources, advice, training and support for SMEs and Heads of Department to raise awareness and adoption of good and fair work principles and practices.
Funding is being made available as follows:
- up to £750,000 in 2026/27
- up to £800,000 in 2027/28
- up to £850,000 in 2028/29
Who can apply
We intend to deliver our Good Work Programme for Screen by making a single award to a lead organisation that has a track record and significant expertise in best practice HR and UK employment law. Applicants must be prepared to work with a range of specialist organisations and individuals to ensure each programme strand (as set out in the Guidelines) can be delivered to a breadth of businesses and individuals working across the screen sector (Film and TV production, VFX and Animation, Exhibition and Distribution, Screen Heritage, and Games).
Applicants must tell us how they will build on the BFI’s 2024-26 Good Work Pilot programme (WorkWise For Screen) to ensure that what has already been created is utilised and evolved to aid value for money. WorkWise For Screen programme content has been established in such a way that makes it transferable to an alternative delivery lead.
How to apply
This fund is open from 12 January and closes at midday on 3 April 2026.
You can only apply online after you’ve read the funding guidelines in full.
Get help with your application
We are committed to making our funding accessible to all. You can get help if you need support to apply for funding.
Since the very first National Lottery draw in 1994, more than £50 billion for good causes has been raised directly through National Lottery ticket sales, funding more than 700,000 projects. As a recipient of National Lottery funding, it is important to publicly acknowledge the source of this funding ensuring that those engaging with your work recognise the value and benefit of this unique Good Cause funding.
If your application is successful, you will be responsible for prominently crediting BFI National Lottery funding and thanking National Lottery players. To communicate this message, you should ensure that the elements of your project which have the potential to engage a broad public audience are capitalised on. More details will be supplied once an award has been made.