Keith Arrowsmith
WorkWise for Screen
Keith is the Programme Director for WorkWise for Screen. Keith qualified as a solicitor in 1995 and specialises in providing advice and guidance to the creative sector. He works with media companies, festivals and funders on contracts, data protection, confidentiality, finance, intellectual property, employment and other legal aspects of good business practices. He is Clore Leadership’s Governance Associate and his work has been recommended by independent publications Legal 500 and Chambers UK. Actor Joel Fry portrayed Keith in the recently released Netflix film, Bank of Dave.
Keith Arrowsmith is speaking at the following session/s
WorkWise for Screen: Fair Play at Work
WorkWise for Screen supports employers and hirers in the games industry with expert guidance on UK employment law, HR best practice and people management.
The UK games industry is at a crossroads. Studio closures and mass layoffs have flooded the market with senior talent, while entry-level roles are more competitive than ever. Amid the upheaval, one thing remains: the creativity, passion, and skill that drive this industry forward.
As new studios launch and existing teams fight to stay afloat, leadership must build strong, legally sound and sustainable workplaces - fit for the long haul.
The games industry has long attracted neurodivergent talent, yet many studios still fall short on equitable hiring, contracts, and workplace support. Employment tribunal cases around discrimination and neurodiversity are rising - so how can leaders ensure their practices are both compliant and genuinely inclusive?
In this interview-led session, industry experts share crucial insights on:
Recruitment – how to avoid bias, attract top talent, and ensure a transparent and inclusive selection process.
Contracts and compliance – key legal considerations when hiring employees, contractors or freelancers, including key legal responsibilities around neurodiversity and reasonable adjustments
Workplace and culture – how to lead effectively, support neurodivergent employees, avoid common HR pitfalls and foster a resilient, inclusive team
Whether you’re building the next generation of studios or working to keep yours standing, this session will equip you with the tools to lead fairly, safely and well.
After the session and throughout Develop, visit the WorkWise for Screen stand for one-to-one meetings with legal and HR experts offering tailored advice.
Moderator: Jonas Gawe
Session Takeaway
- What effective leadership looks like in uncertain times - especially when supporting diverse teams
- How to hire fairly and avoid bias-driven selection mistakes, including barriers faced by neurodivergent applicants
- How to protect your studio and your staff with legally robust contracts and inclusive workplace policies
- Why transparent, equitable practices give studios both a commercial advantage and legal protection
Session speakers
