BBFC

Introduction

Cinema

The British Board of Film Classification is an independent, non-governmental body, which has classified cinema films since 1913, and video since 1985.

The Board was set up by the film industry in order to bring a degree of uniformity to the classification of films nationally.

Statutory powers on film remain with the local councils, which may overrule any of the Board's decisions, passing films we reject, banning films we have passed, and even waiving cuts, instituting new ones, or altering categories for films exhibited under their own licensing jurisdiction.

Video

In 1984 Parliament passed the Video Recordings Act. This act stated that, subject to certain exemptions, video recordings offered for sale or hire commercially in the UK must be classified by an authority designated by the Secretary of State. The President and Vice Presidents of the BBFC were so designated, and charged with applying the new test of 'suitability for viewing in the home'. At this point the Board's title was changed to British Board of Film Classification to reflect the fact that classification plays a far larger part in the Board's work than censorship.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has notified the BBFC of a serious issue which has come to light in relation to the Video Recordings Act 1984 (VRA). Because the then British Government failed to notify the European Commission under the Technical Standards and Regulations Directive (83/189/EEC) of the Act, the VRA is no longer enforceable against individuals in the United Kingdom. The Government has said that its priority is to remedy this situation as soon as possible and has urged the industry in the interim to comply with the provisions of the VRA on a voluntary and best practice basis. The BBFC will continue to classify video works submitted by distributors on a voluntary basis for this period.

Management Team

Director

Delegated to make executive decisions

Formulates and ensures execution of policy

Head of Operations

Responsible for internal business operations

Head of Communications

Responsible for all aspect of communications with the media, public and customers

Head of Technology

Responsible for the delivery, enhancement and support of IT. Manages all aspects of the Board’s site in Bracknell

Head of Policy and Business Development

Responsible for classification policy, public policy positions and development of classification services

Head of Finance and Personnel

Ensures proper financial controls and reporting is in place

Responsible for staff welfare, recruitment and related areas

I got all this information off the following link - http://www.bbfc.co.uk/structure/