We work with care staff and families to identify participants, understand individual needs and plan filming in a way that feels relaxed and supportive.

Before filming, we take time to understand any relevant information shared by the care team, so that conversations are approached sensitively and at the right pace for each individual. This is done with consent and solely to help us work respectfully and support the person to speak for themselves.

We bring a small, experienced team and plan each day carefully to create a calm, unhurried environment. To protect that pace and ensure everyone feels properly attended to, we film with no more than six people in one location in a day.

Filming is thoughtfully and discreetly set up so the conversation remains the focus. Where possible, we work with care teams to identify a quiet, comfortable space where interviews can take place without interruption and at the individual’s pace.

The atmosphere on filming day is warm, positive and often uplifting. Being listened to, sharing stories and memories, and being treated with care can feel special, and many people find the experience both enjoyable and affirming.

Each film is thoughtfully edited to capture the person’s individuality. Films are shaped to be clear, accessible and useful within care settings.

We share a first cut with the care home and welcome one round of feedback before final sign-off and delivery.

Final films are shared by secure digital delivery, in line with existing systems.

Alongside the films, we provide documents and forms to support integration and best use of the programme.

On delivery of the films, we meet to introduce and explain the above at a meeting and a further follow up meeting, 4-6 weeks later.

Care Story Films are filmed within professional care settings, where residents are already supported by experienced teams. We work alongside those teams, respecting the care settings’ safeguarding policies and day-to-day expertise.

During filming, we are attentive to mood, energy and wellbeing. If someone becomes tired or unsettled, we pause or gently conclude the conversation. Should anything arise that gives cause for concern, we follow the care settings’ safeguarding procedures promptly and appropriately.

We carry out appropriate risk assessments before and during filming and hold full public liability insurance. Our aim is always to create a positive experience that supports, rather than disrupts, the safe and caring environment already in place.

Consent

Participation is always voluntary and based on informed consent.

Where an individual has capacity, consent is obtained directly from them. Where someone lacks capacity, we rely on the commissioning organisation to ensure that appropriate best-interest decisions or authorised consent processes are in place in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

We work collaboratively with care teams and families to ensure filming is respectful and appropriate at all times.

Consent may be withdrawn at any time.

We will pause or discontinue filming if we believe participation is causing distress or discomfort.

Respect and Dignity

Everything we do is shaped by respect for the individual.

We work at each person’s pace, follow their lead in what they choose to share, and ensure their dignity is upheld throughout the process — from first conversation to final film.

Data Protection

We handle all personal data, including information relating to protected characteristics, with care, respect and strict confidentiality.

Data is stored securely and managed in line with our Data Protection policy.