The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is an independent, non-profit regulator that classifies films and recommends age ratings in the UK. It aims to protect children from harmful content, empower viewers to make informed choices, and recognize adult freedom of choice within the law. The BBFC is structured with a management team including a President, Director, and examiners who view films and write reports recommending classifications. Senior examiners then make final classification decisions based on these reports and BBFC guidelines.

1. British Board of Film
Classification
By Dean Houghton

2. What is the British Board of Film
Classification?
• The BBFC is an independent, self-financing and not-for-profit
media content regulator. We operate transparent, consistent
and trusted co-regulatory and self-regulatory classification
and labelling systems in the UK.
• This organisations job is to put restrictions on films and make
decisions, as to what age groups they would recommend to
watch the film from their previous experience and knowledge
in this prestigious market.

3. What do they do?
Mission Statement;
• As a highly expert and experienced regulator, our mission is to:
• protect the public, and especially children, from content which
might raise harm risks
• empower the public, especially parents, to make informed viewing
choices
• recognise and respect adult freedom of choice within the law
• respond to and reflect changing social attitudes towards media
content through proactive public consultation and research
• provide a cost-effective, efficient classification service within our
statutory remit
• work in partnership with the industry to develop innovative service
models to provide content advice which support emerging media
delivery systems
• provide an effective service to enforcement agencies

4. How are they structured?
• The BBFC are set up as a management team.
In this management team there are many
different roles that all come together in
banding the film to a certain restriction.

5. What are the Roles?
• PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENTS - The President and Vice Presidents are consulted in the case of difficult or
controversial works that raise particular questions of policy.
• DIRECTOR - is delegated to make executive decisions on behalf of the Presidential tier. He is responsible for
formulating and ensuring the execution of policy, management of the BBFC and handling external relations with
the industry, the public and relevant bodies.
• SENIOR MANAGEMENT - The senior management team can make executive decisions in the Director’s absence.
• Head of Operations -Responsible for internal business operations.
• Head of Communications - Responsible for all aspects of communication with the media, the public and
customers.
• Head of Technology - Responsible for the delivery, enhancement and support of Information Systems.
• Head of Finance and Personnel - Ensures proper financial controls and reporting are in place. Responsible for staff
welfare, recruitment and related areas.
• Following on from these you have the SENIOR EXAMINERS and EXAMINERS.
• Senior Examiners are responsible for making decisions on the classification of works and on any cuts required on
the basis of Examiners’ reports, policy, Guidelines and precedents.
• Examiners - Examiners view the submitted works, write detailed reports and recommend a category decision, cuts
or other actions.
• As you can see, there is more to the BBFC that you may have first thought. A lot goes on behind the scenes from
viewing the film and rating it, to attending educational festivals and helping promote what is right and wrong to go
on television and what the limit is, as to what producers/directors can show in their new blockbuster film.