Specific requirements in the Creative and Design skill area

This article describes specific requirements that may apply to industry placements in this skill area.

When you get to the detailed preparations for industry placements, you should consider which requirements apply to you with the school, college or other type of provider you are working. You should talk to them about any specific compliance obligations on your business.

Health and safety

For some creative and design industry placements, particularly in craft-based roles, it is extremely important that a thorough risk assessment is carried out for each placement and measures are put in place to mitigate risks where identified.

You will be responsible for the health and safety of students whilst they are on industry placement with you, and students will need to fully understand any unique health and safety requirements you might have.

Factor into your induction training issues that are relevant to your workplace, such as the importance of first aid procedures, recording/reporting incidents, use equipment and your health & safety policy. Students should be allocated the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) for their role.

Much of this could be done in advance of the placement, working with the student’s school or college to schedule appropriate course content.

Further guidance can be found on the Health and Safety Executive's website.

Intellectual property

In some industries such as journalism, agreements are often needed to protect intellectual property. You may need to give students training and put in place appropriate controls. Alternatively, you may decide to find non-confidential tasks and projects for them.

You may need to offer students additional awareness training on your policies and arrangements to protect intellectual property. You could draw up a confidentiality statement for the student to sign. While such an agreement is not legally binding for a person who is under-18, it could give you peace of mind and affirm to the student how important confidentiality is to your business.

Social media

There may be situations where students are interacting with the public using live chat or social media.

You must train them in advance of undertaking these duties and supervise them closely to make sure they are aware of any risks. Help them understand the language and tone you expect to be used. Having e-safety and social media policies will support this.

Age

Schools and colleges are responsible for the safeguarding and welfare of students on industry placements – but they need your cooperation.

You will need to understand the requirements of student safeguarding, especially given that a high proportion of placement students could be under 18 and that some working environments may not be suitable for the students. For example, you may be finalising a TV series and have alcohol on set. It is important that young people are supervised on placement and that effective safeguarding is in place.

You should ensure that all staff, students, contractors and volunteers are alert to any concerns about the welfare of young people and would report any such concerns to you, the employer. With the industry placement student in mind, you should carefully risk assess activities and take action to protect the welfare of the student.

The legal compliance sheet gives you more general information about your main responsibilities and provides links to detailed guidance and resources.

The content in this resource is for information only and does not constitute advice. Suggestions or considerations are offered for you to take into account. It’s your responsibility, supported by your school or college, to comply with any legal duties that you might have.