The PiPA Best Practice Charter was drafted by 14 leading UK theatre organisations as part of Parents In Performing Arts 2016-17, a research project funded by Arts Council England.

The PIPA Best Practice Charter is a set of guiding principles for all professional performing arts organisations to enable the development of supportive working practices which are inclusive and accessible for those with caring responsibilities.

Through its pioneering Best Practice Charter Programme, PiPA is committed to working with organisations to increase business resilience by working towards the 10 Charter points, attracting and retaining a more flexible and diverse workforce. The PIPA Best Practice Charter Programme provides participating organisations with a tried and tested framework, comprehensive toolkit and ongoing support as well as PIPA accreditation.

The Best Practice Charter is a working document, constantly updated in the light of PiPA’s evolving experience, our partners’ real world circumstances and best practice influences from other sectors. As a result, the Charter provides relevant and proven practical guidance for any arts body seeking to attract and retain a more flexible and diverse workforce.

The Charter

1. RECRUITMENT

Adopt recruitment practices across all departments, including casting and programming, to welcome and enable access to job opportunities for carers and parents from the widest possible talent pool, reducing possible exclusions.

2. UNDERSTANDING YOUR WORKFORCE

Gain insight into the challenges and needs of the parent and carer workforce within the organisation, identifying and implementing practical and effective channels of communication

3. POLICIES

Review, improve and clearly communicate current policies and practices to ensure the needs of carers and parents are considered and wherever possible supported.

4. WORK LIFE BALANCE

Proactively consider making all roles (including short and long term contracts) visibly open to job share and flexible working in order to promote work-life balance for all

5. SUPPORTIVE WORKING PRACTICES

Develop and implement supportive working practices for all carers and parents across the organisation, including freelancers, zero hours and fixed term staff.

6. PROVISION

Offer practical provisions and resources to enable carers and parents to continue their career.

7. ACCESS TO PROGRAMMES

Provide programmes and activities that facilitate equal access for carers and parents to work, enabling all talent to engage.

8. CELEBRATING BEST PRACTICE

Promote and share best practice, resources and developments with PIPA, as well as internally and externally through press, social media and events.

9. EVALUATION

Set targets, monitor and evaluate progress, sharing data with PIPA and other peers in the Performing Arts industry as well as funding bodies where appropriate.

10. COMMITTING TO BEST PRACTICE

Integrate PIPA best practice into company values and clearly communicate to collaborators and partners.

Charter Programme

The PiPA Best Practice Charter Programme provides participating organisations with a tried and tested framework, comprehensive toolkit, ongoing collaboration and access to the growing network of PiPA partners in order to work towards achieving the 10 points on the Best Practice Charter.

The Programme builds on data-driven insights and a baseline survey to review, trial then embed bespoke changes, appropriate to the organisation and its individual circumstances.

This supports the development of family-friendly policies, resources and working practices.