Legal advice for GTC members

From 1 April, the GTC will offer legal advice to members who have work-related legal problems.

The new benefit for members will initially run for a three month trial, when the scheme will be reviewed. 

Alex Wade

Initial queries

Initial enquires to use the service should be made to legal@gtc.org.uk, giving your name, GTC membership number and a short summary of the matter on which you’d like advice.  

Once the GTC have validated your membership, your email will be sent to Alex Wade at Reviewed and Cleared, who will provide the legal advice on behalf of the GTC.

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Areas covered

• Defamation (libel and slander)
• Copyright
• Ofcom compliance
• Privacy
• Data protection
• Contempt of court and other reporting restrictions
• Commercial contracts, including contributor, local, distribution and production agreements
• Employment issues, including health and safety compliance and freelance engagements / retainers
• Covid and duty of care protocols in filming
• General film, TV and streaming issues
• Music law
• Errors and omissions reports and requirements in film and book production
• Publishing law, including book agreements.

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How it works

This service is paid for by the GTC and so, effectively, is free to GTC members.  Reviewed and Cleared will allocate up to 30 minutes to deal with each query.  Often enough, where the problem is relatively simple, advice within these parameters can produce clarity and solutions for clients.  If your problem is complex, they will agree a separate fixed fee quote or hourly rate with you – whichever is appropriate.

Although they are a London-based law firm, hourly rates will be discounted to £200 + VAT for GTC members.  They will always do their best to be as cost-effective as possible for you.

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Useful websites for legal guidance and information

Ofcom TV and Radio Broadcasting Codes
www.ofcom.org.uk/tv-radio-and-on-demand/broadcast-codes

The Editor’s Code of Practice (Independent Press Standards Organisation)
www.ipso.co.uk/editors-code-of-practice

National Union of Journalists (NUJ) Code of conduct
www.nuj.org.uk/about-us/rules-and-guidance/code-of-conduct.html

The Independant newspaper – Code of Conduct
www.independent.co.uk/service/code-of-conduct-a6184241.html

The Ethical Journalism Network
https://ethicaljournalismnetwork.org

Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice (insurance may be affected by FCO advice)
www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Government advice regarding one’s rights.
www.gov.uk/browse/justice/rights

UK Legislation i.e. Data Protection Law etc.
www.legislation.gov.uk