Sustainability and DEI Policy

Our commitment
At Stepping Stone Media, we recognise our responsibility to operate in a way that minimises our environmental impact and supports a responsible, inclusive and sustainable working culture.

We aim to make considered choices across our business and productions, working with our people, suppliers and partners to reduce waste, use resources responsibly and create positive working environments.

We comply with applicable environmental legislation and regulations and regularly review our approach to identify where we can improve.

Environmental sustainability
We take a practical approach to reducing the environmental impact of our day-to-day operations.

We aim to:

  • reduce waste and recycle materials wherever practical;
  • reduce energy and water consumption across our working environments;
  • use energy-efficient equipment and products where appropriate;
  • use rechargeable batteries and other alternatives to single-use items where practical;
  • avoid unnecessary printing and use digital processes wherever possible;
  • encourage the use of reusable bottles, cups and other alternatives to single-use items;
  • reduce unnecessary travel through the use of remote working and technology;
  • encourage the use of public transport and lower-emission transport options where practical; and
  • ensure all employees are aware of this policy and understand how they can contribute to a more sustainable working environment.

Sustainable production
As a content and production agency, we recognise that our productions can have a greater environmental impact than our day-to-day operations.

When planning and delivering productions, we consider opportunities to reduce that impact, including:

  • considering travel and transport requirements and avoiding unnecessary journeys where possible;
  • using remote production and collaboration where it is practical and appropriate;
  • working with local suppliers and crew where possible;
  • considering energy use, materials and waste when planning shoots;
  • using low-energy equipment and lighting where practical and without compromising the creative requirements of a production;
  • reusing props, set materials and other production resources wherever possible;
  • sourcing production materials locally where practical and considering packaging and waste when ordering;
  • reducing single-use materials and unnecessary printing;
  • reducing food waste and minimising single-use food and drink packaging on set;
  • considering sustainable options for catering, travel and accommodation; and
  • working with production partners and suppliers who share our commitment to responsible working practices.

We recognise that every production is different, and the most appropriate approach will depend on the brief, location, scale and practical requirements of each project.

Diversity, equity and inclusion
We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and equitable working environment, where people are treated fairly, different perspectives are welcomed and everyone has the opportunity to contribute.

We value diversity in all its forms, including differences in age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability and background.

We are committed to creating a working environment free from bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination.

We aim to:

  • provide equal opportunities for our employees, freelancers and partners;
  • create an environment where people feel welcome, valued and able to speak up;
  • consider diversity and inclusion when building teams and working with suppliers and partners; and
  • review our policies and working practices to identify and address barriers where we can.

We recognise that diversity, equity and inclusion are ongoing areas of development and that there is always more we can learn and improve.

Our people
We want Stepping Stone Media to be a place where people feel respected, supported and able to contribute.

We recognise the importance of creating positive working environments both within our business and on our productions, where the welfare and wellbeing of the people involved is taken seriously.

We also recognise that our work brings together employees, freelancers, contributors, production partners and suppliers, and we aim to treat everyone we work with fairly and with respect.

Working with others
Sustainability and responsible working practices extend beyond our own business.

We work with freelancers, production partners and specialist suppliers across our projects, and aim to build relationships with people and businesses that share our approach.

Where appropriate, we consider environmental and social factors when selecting suppliers and production partners.

Raising concerns
Anyone working for or with Stepping Stone Media who has concerns about unfair treatment, discrimination, bullying, harassment or barriers to inclusion within our business or on our productions is encouraged to raise them with a member of the senior management team.

We will take concerns seriously and investigate them appropriately. No one should be disadvantaged for raising a genuine concern.

Review and improvement
We recognise that sustainability, diversity and inclusion are ongoing areas of development. We will continue to review our operations, production practices and working environment, consider where improvements can be made and update our approach as our business evolves.

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated where necessary.