Responsibility behind the scenes

ITV's ‘Behind the scenes' issues include our role in fostering and supporting creative talent, our environmental impact, employment issues, and health and safety.

ITV is a leading investor in the UK 's creative economy, providing employment for a large number of actors, editors, directors, writers, producers, cameramen and other artists and technicians.

We spend around £1 billion on programming and production annually. Over half of our programmes are made outside London and around 35% were independent productions in 2007.

ITV also helps young people acquire the skills they need to pursue a career in broadcasting and sponsors a range of awards to encourage creativity.

For more please see Creative economy

ITV recognises the impact its operations have on the environment and aims to manage and reduce these wherever possible. ITV's main environmental impacts are the energy and water we use at our sites and on location and the waste we produce. In addition our production teams are made aware of the potential sensitivity of filming locations and are required to take all appropriate precautions to avoid causing damage to natural or heritage sites. We have also started to look at the environmental impact of programme making in more detail.

For more please see: Protecting the environment.

ITV employs over 5,500 people. We also work with a large body of freelancers such as writers, performers and camera crews.

We aim to treat all our employees fairly and with respect and have systems in place to provide a safe working environment for all. ITV is committed to harnessing their talents and ensuring that we are in the best position to attract and develop our people.

We are an equal opportunity employer and believe we have responsibility to reflect the UK population in our employees.

We believe a flexible workplace is an important factor in attracting and retaining talent. Our Flexible Working Policy helps employees achieve a work-life balance.

For more please see: Our people , Training and communications , Health and safety