Filming, photography and recording of public meetings

Under the Openness of Local Government Bodies Regulations (2014), filming, photographing and making an audio recording of public meetings is permitted.

The regulations allow individuals to film and record all those taking part in the meeting including officers and any members of the public invited to address the meeting. Members of the public may however request that they are not filmed or photographed. The use of social media or online blogging to report public meeting proceedings is also permitted.

These activities however, must not disrupt the meeting.

Whilst prior permission is not required for members of the public and press to film or record public meetings it would be helpful if individuals make the Chair aware of their intentions at the start of the meeting or in advance by contacting committees@broads-authority.gov.uk. This will allow the Chair to make everyone aware of the filming and measures to be put in place such as allocated space to film from and non-filming areas to be designated for those members of the public that choose not to be filmed or photographed.

The Chair will provide the opportunity at the start of the meeting for anyone wishing to film to make their intentions known.

The Authority will provide reasonable facilities to anyone wishing to film or record meetings by allocating an appropriate space. All filming and recording must be done in a non-disruptive manner and can only be undertaken from designated spaces as directed by the Chair or a designated officer of the Authority.

In the interests of privacy and safeguarding individuals, the Authority will ensure space is available in the public area for members of the public who do not wish to be filmed (this may include vulnerable adults and children).

Any action or activity which disrupts the conduct of meetings or impedes other members of the public being able to see, hear or film the proceedings will be deemed disruptive.

These include:

• moving to areas outside those designated for the purpose of filming and recording without the consent of the Chair;
• excessive noise in recording, setting up or re-siting equipment during the debate/discussion;
• ongoing, audible commentary;
• asking for people to repeat statements for the purposes of recording;
• use of lighting and/or use of flash photography.

If any such filming and recording appears to focus on an individual, the Chair may conclude that such action exceeds article 8 of the Human Rights Act 1998 and may rule that this is not permissible.

The Chair of the meeting has the capacity to adjourn a meeting and take appropriate action if any person is deemed to be filming or recording in a disruptive manner. This action may include an instruction to cease recording or filming if the disruption continues.

The press and public may be excluded from meetings if it is likely that the discussion may involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended). Therefore, meetings - or parts of meetings - from which the press and public are excluded may not be filmed or recorded.

Any person or organisation choosing to film, record or broadcast any public meeting of the Authority or its’ committees, is responsible for any claims or other liability resulting from them doing so. By choosing to film, record or broadcast proceedings, they accept that they are required to indemnify the Authority, its Members and officers in relation to any such claims or liabilities.

The Authority will publish guidance on the filming, recording and broadcasting of meetings on the Committees area of the Broads Authority website to which the Chair will refer at the start of the meeting. Those undertaking these activities will be deemed to have accepted them whether they have read them or not.