A duty of care towards contributors is now a crucial element of many television programmes. A psychological assessment (psych test) is now standard for most contributors to observational or reality television shows.  However, this may be only the beginning: a production company’s duty of care continues throughout filming and beyond transmission.  This may also involve training and supporting the team when working with complex or vulnerable individuals.

Lynn has nearly 15 years’ experience of providing contributor care (backed by many years within NHS and private mental-health services) and has worked with more than 50 production companies on some 200 series and programmes.

While working with contributors it is important to ensure:

• they are making informed consent and have a broad understanding of what will be involved
• they have considered the implications of appearing on TV
• both production company and contributor can be confident that appearing on a show is unlikely to be detrimental

Many projects require on-going support and consultancy to the production team and the contributors.  In certain circumstances, where a team is working with psychologically complex people, Lynn can offer training and consultancy throughout the project.

Lynn is probably the most experienced clinical professional in this area, with an understanding both of the psychological demands and the pressures and time constraints of the industry.

Lynn also acts as consultant to a variety of programme-makers and has featured in a US documentary on youth offending, and on the Australian programme, 60 Minutes, talking about dissociative identity disorder.

Fuller details of Lynn’s experience are available on request (lynn@lynngreenwood.co.uk).