Anyone wishing to use photographic/film/video equipment at our indoor facilities and/or events may do so only with our permission. Permission will only be granted once a photographer has signed to say he or she will abide by the conditions of photographic and filming equipment.

These conditions are:

• Any images taken will be used only for the purposes stated on the Photography and Filming Request Form;
• Any images are taken with the permission of the subjects (under 16 years old parental consent must be obtained);
• Proof of identity may be required in order to grant permission to use the photographic filming equipment;
• The Council reserves the right to withdraw permission to use photographic filming equipment immediately without prior warning. Failure to stop photography when asked may result in the photographer being asked to leave or reporting the incident to the police;
• The photographer should be sensitive to other users/participants and as far as reasonably possible restrict the images taken to those of the subject(s);
• The photographer should take steps to make themselves easily recognisable to members of the public (e.g. the use of a badge, banner, vest etc.);
• If at any time another user in the area where the photographs are being taken complains about the activity then the photography or filming must stop immediately;
• If in the case of private hiring of Council facilities, it is the responsibility of the organisers/hirers to inform parents/carers of the individuals attending the event that photographs will be taken;
• It is the responsibility of any commercial photographer taking images at Council facilities to obtain written permission of any subjects included in their photographs to use the images before publication;
• Images may only be taken in the areas shown and on the date indicated on the Photography and Filming Permission Request form;
• If, for any reason, the details shown on the permission request change, the form should be returned to the Council for alteration. If, when challenged, a discrepancy is found between the photographer and Council, copies of the permission request, permission to use photographic and filming equipment will be withdrawn.

Photography and filming during external hire of facilities

The control of the use of photographic/film/video equipment by external hirers of Council facilities is the responsibility of the hirer. This responsibility extends from who is allowed to use photographic/film/video equipment, to where and where not equipment is used and what images are and are not allowed to be taken.

It is the hirer’s responsibility to ensure that all participants, and their parents if under 16, are aware that photographic/filming/video equipment is going to be used. Where appropriate, they may be required to get written permission from participants or their parents/guardians/carers to use the photographs in publicity promotional or media material.

Guidelines for taking photographs of children and young people

There will be occasions when photographs are taken for the purposes of gathering evidence for enforcement action or contractual compliance, and the following precautions will be taken:

• If a photograph is used, avoid naming individuals;
• Before the images are taken the written permission of the individual’s parents should be sought;
• Only use images of individuals in suitable dress to reduce the risk of inappropriate use;
• There are some activities, e.g. swimming, gymnastics and athletics, where the risk of potential misuse is much greater. With these sports, the photographs should focus on the activity not a particular subject and should avoid full face and body shots. For example, photographs of children and young people in a pool would be appropriate or, if on poolside, from the waist or shoulder up.