Tower Hamlets Constitution

As set out in the Council Procedure Rules [ ], members of the press and public are welcome to film, audio record, take photographs, use social media or otherwise record or report on (collectively referred to as film/record in this protocol) meetings of the Council, Cabinet and Committees. This facility is important in ensuring the transparency and openness of the Council’s decision making.

1. Cause a disturbance at the meeting.
2. Cause health and safety issues.
3. Unnecessarily impact on the privacy of members of the public.

It is equally important that this filming/recording is done in a way which does not:

It should be noted that, unless previously agreed for accessibility reasons, the Council would not normally allow oral reporting/commentary on a meeting as it takes place by someone present at the meeting.

The Speaker/Chair of the meeting will in all cases make the final decision on all matters of dispute in regard to filming/recording meetings.

The Council webcasts many of its meetings and members of the public may find it easier to link to sections of those webcasts rather than make their own recordings.

Whilst the Chair of the meeting will look to ensure those present are aware of all filming/recording taking place and request that members of the public gallery are not filmed no guarantee can be given.

Attendees should also be aware that they may be shown in the background of any Council webcast of the meeting they are attending this includes automated and manually controlled webcasts.

1. Read any specific guidance in the meeting agenda.
3. In particular, it is important to highlight if you wish to bring larger hardware/equipment as facilities arrangements may have to be made.
4. In particular, it is important to highlight if you wish to bring larger hardware/equipment as facilities arrangements may have to be made.
5. In particular, it is important to highlight if you wish to bring larger hardware/equipment as facilities arrangements may have to be made.
6. In particular, it is important to highlight if you wish to bring larger hardware/equipment as facilities arrangements may have to be made.
7. In particular, it is important to highlight if you wish to bring larger hardware/equipment as facilities arrangements may have to be made.
8. In particular, it is important to highlight if you wish to bring larger hardware/equipment as facilities arrangements may have to be made.
9. In particular, it is important to highlight if you wish to bring larger hardware/equipment as facilities arrangements may have to be made.
10. In particular, it is important to highlight if you wish to bring larger hardware/equipment as facilities arrangements may have to be made.
11. In particular, it is important to highlight if you wish to bring larger hardware/equipment as facilities arrangements may have to be made.

Notify the clerk to the meeting at least 24 hours in advance (contact details are printed on the agenda front sheet).

1. In particular, it is important to highlight if you wish to bring larger hardware/equipment as facilities arrangements may have to be made.
12. Members of the Press should also notify the Communications team (communications@towerhamlets.gov.uk).

It is recommended that all those who wish to film/record meetings follow these guidelines to ensure their approach accords with the smooth running of meetings:

1. Do not approach the committee Members or tables, remain at the front of the public gallery or any other location directed by staff and generally follow any instructions given by staff present at the meeting.
2. Ensure all equipment is set up in advance of the meeting starting to avoid disruption.
3. Avoid the use of flashes, bright lights, noisy equipment or anything which could be distracting.
4. Only record those who are actively participating in the meeting.
5. Do not film the public gallery.
6. Obey any instructions of the Chair of the meeting including on who can/cannot be filmed/recorded.
7. Note that Councillors and officers are excluded from this provision in accordance with the Openness of Local Government Bodies Regulations 2014.

When recording the meeting:

Should the Chair determine at any time that the recording or filming the meeting is causing a disturbance or is otherwise inappropriate then they have the authority to request the activity cease.

Should anyone refuse a request to cease or adjust their filming/recording, the Chair will ask the person to leave the meeting. If the person refuses to leave then the Chair may adjourn the meeting or make other appropriate arrangements for the meeting to continue without disruption. This is in line with the meeting conduct procedures set out in the Council Procedure Rules.

1. Any person(s) who the meeting is informed must not be filmed.
2. Any portion of a meeting where a motion has been passed to exclude the press and public.
3. Members of the Public Gallery.

You may not film/record:

Whilst officers and others taking part in a Council or Committee meeting can normally be filmed, the Chair may prevent filming of specific individuals where this is necessary. Examples could include cases such as where the individual is a child, or where revealing their identity would impact on their job or could lead to threats or abuse of such an individual.