Insurance and legal
Find out about the legal and insurance requirements involved in putting on a show at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Code of Conduct
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the most extraordinary gatherings of creative people and organisations on earth. Every August, thousands of artists, venues, producers, journalists, industry professionals, volunteers and audiences come together in Edinburgh to make something singular happen.
That only works when everyone involved treats each other – and the festival itself – with respect, honesty, and a genuine commitment to making it work. This Code of Conduct sets out what we expect from everyone who participates in the Fringe, in whatever capacity.
This Code has been developed with reference to the CIISA Standards (February 2025), which seeks to embed safe and inclusive working environments across the creative industries.
This Code applies to all Fringe participants as defined in Section One of our Conduct and Behaviour Policies. By registering a show, accrediting as media or industry, registering a venue, or otherwise participating in the Fringe, all participants agree to abide by this Code, and ensure where appropriate that all members of their companies / teams are aware of it.
Our shared behaviours
The Fringe is built on core values of inclusion and freedom of expression, and we ask everyone to uphold these behaviours when taking part:
The Fringe belongs to everyone, and it only works when everyone takes it seriously. Treat fellow participants, audiences and the public with openness, generosity and professionalism – regardless of background, identity or experience. Even when it is stressful, even when things go wrong, even in informal settings. Aggressive, abusive or intimidating behaviour is never acceptable.
- Treat everyone you encounter at the Fringe – colleagues, artists, venue staff, volunteers, media, industry, members of the public – with dignity and respect.
- Maintain physically safe and professional working environments – comply with health and safety legislation, venue licensing conditions and all applicable legal requirements.
- Do not plagiarise the work of other artists.
- Honour commitments made to artists – turn up when you say you will, deliver what you have promised.
- Act in good faith in all dealings with the artists and companies you work with.
Be honest in your dealings with others. Communicate clearly and in good time. Honour your commitments and be upfront if you cannot.
- Issue contracts that are clear, fair and written in plain language.
- Pay everyone what you owe them, on time and to the terms agreed.
- Provide clear financial breakdowns when requested.
- Do not exploit the vulnerability of first-time or inexperienced participants.
- Be transparent about costs, fees and what services include from the outset.
- Fulfil your obligations under the Fringe Society's Terms and Conditions.
- Adhere to Fringe Society Best Practice Guides where these have been agreed or subscribed to, including those relating to paid staff, volunteers and accessibility.
- Communicate clearly, accessibly and in good time.
- Respond to messages from the Fringe Society and fellow participants promptly.
- Manage expectations proactively – if something is not going to happen as agreed, say so as early as possible.
- For media: issue reviews in a timely manner; be accurate.
The Fringe must be safe – physically and psychologically – for everyone who participates. Free from harassment, abuse and discrimination. Valuing difference and actively creating environments where everyone can thrive. We also recognise our collective responsibility to act sustainably – considering the environmental and social impact of our participation, and seeking to reduce harm where we can.
- Maintain psychologically safe environments – this means zero tolerance for abuse of power, intimidation or creating hostile atmospheres.
- Ensure that everyone you work with knows how to raise a concern, including anonymously if needed, and feels safe to do so.
- Do not use NDAs or confidentiality clauses to silence anyone who has witnessed or experienced harmful behaviour.
- Recognise that the Fringe is an intense, high-pressure environment. Show patience and understanding, especially when things do not go to plan.
- Do not engage in bullying, harassment (including sexual harassment), discrimination, victimisation or any other form of harmful behaviour.
- Challenge harmful behaviour where it is safe to do so, and report it where it is not.
- Take practical steps to reduce the environmental impact of your participation – in your production, your travel, and your use of resources.
Not every element of the above will be relevant to every participant, so a common sense and values-centred approach should be taken.
A note on the high-pressure environment
We recognise that the Fringe is uniquely demanding. Months of preparation culminate in three intense weeks during which things may go wrong, plans may change, and those involved may be under pressure. We do not expect perfection but we do expect good faith.
It is important to recognise the pressures others are under, and be open to learning and changing your behaviour. If something has gone wrong, the first question should always be: how can we resolve this together? Our mediation service (see below) exists to help with that where needed.
Interested in developing your own code of behavior? To make a start, you can follow this code of behaviour example from the Royal Court Theatre.
For more information on any of the points raised within this Code of Conduct, please contact the Artist Services team on [email protected].
Our mediation service
The Fringe Society offers an impartial mediation service to help participants resolve disputes. Mediation can be the most effective and fastest route to resolution because it reaches a resolution that all parties have agreed to. It is a voluntary, facilitated process in which we help parties reach their own resolution – we do not impose decisions or determine who is right or wrong.
How to request mediation
Contact us at [email protected] and explain the situation. We will ask all parties if they are willing to participate. If they are, we will facilitate a discussion – in person, by phone or video call – presenting the issues impartially and helping parties reach a mutually acceptable outcome. Any agreement reached will be recorded. All mediation requests are logged.
When mediation may not be appropriate
We will always advise you if we think mediation is not the right route. It is unlikely to be appropriate where:
- there are allegations of serious harassment, assault or criminal conduct
- there is a significant power imbalance between the parties
- the issue requires a formal legal process
- the relationship between the parties has completely broken down.
Formal complaint procedure for artists
We've put together a summary of our complaints procedure, but you may also wish to review our comprehensive Conduct and Behaviour Policies.
Copyright
If you are performing or adapting a work that is under copyright, you must get permission in writing from the author or their literary agent or publisher.
Even if you have already gained permission to perform your production elsewhere, you’ll need to ask for permission again to perform it at the Fringe.
- Duration
Typically, a work remains under copyright for the length of its author’s life plus 70 years, though there are numerous exceptions to the rule.
- Fees
It’s your responsibility to find out your obligations under the law and, if necessary, to pay the appropriate copyright fees. These are usually calculated as a percentage of box office revenue and are sometimes subject to a minimum required payment. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a high-profile event, so publishers and literary agents make sure the correct fees have been paid on all works being performed.
- What to do
You can usually find the contact details for an author’s literary agent or publisher on the inside cover or early pages of the script. All communications should be in writing and you may be required to pay a deposit (treated as an advance against royalties) once a fee is agreed.
Insurance
In all the preparations for the festival, it can be easy to overlook arranging insurance. Gather some quotes for the following types of insurance to protect against the worst. The main types of cover to consider are Public Liability insurance and Employers’ Liability insurance.
Cover in the event that you accidentally injure a member of the public or damage their property during your Fringe performance and promotional activities (for example, if a piece of your set falls on the audience).
While your venue will already have their own arrangements, their insurance will only cover the venue’s activities and structures and not what happens during your performance. You will be responsible for your own insurance and some venues will insist on seeing proof of adequate cover before they allow you to perform in their space to the public.
While you are not legally required to obtain public liability insurance, the Fringe Society does strongly recommend that you do, for peace of mind in case something goes wrong. It's also a common requirement in most venue contracts.
Street performers taking part in the Fringe Street Events are required to have public liability insurance as a condition of the contract we enter into together, because of the nature of the event and recommendations from our insurance providers.
International companies
- Make sure that any existing insurance you have will cover you in Edinburgh OR
- If you buy insurance from a UK broker, make sure they can cover international performers and companies.
Cover in the event that someone who works for you claims damages for accidental injury or damage to their property. Anyone who is working under your instruction can be classified as an employee, even if you are not paying them.
Employers' Liability is sometimes offered as part of a package along with Public Liability – consider what cover will suit your particular circumstances.
Insurance for other situations is available, including:
- Show / performance cancellation.
- Loss / damage to property.
- If you are based outside the UK, remember to check you have valid cover for being away from your home country.
Speak to different insurance companies for advice on what is most appropriate and affordable.
How to obtain insurance
Check that you don't have cover already.
- If you are a member of a union or equivalent industry body, you may already have Public Liability Insurance coverage as part of that membership (in some cases, the cost of a union membership can be cheaper than insurance coverage on its own). Unions that offer PLI coverage include Equity for UK artists, BECTU and also Cairn in Scotland.
- If you are part of a larger institution such as a school, university, charity or production company, you may be covered by their insurance provisions
- If you already have insurance of any kind for your business, check if they can cover your Fringe activities as well.
Always check and request written confirmation of cover from your current provider.
Independent insurance providers
Encore Insure
"With special discounts for anyone performing at Edinburgh Fringe, buying insurance for your show is now as easy as it has ever been. encoreinsure.com is a step-by-step, easy-to-follow, one-stop solution to your production insurance requirements, with access available to your account 24/7.
For more information on Fringe rates please visit the Encore Insure website."Performers Insurance
"With 30 years' experience providing insurance for UK and INTERNATIONAL performers at Edinburgh Fringe, we offer flexible cover arranged in minutes. Public Liability, Employers Liability, Equipment and Cancellation cover available, with premiums from £75. Buy online 24/7 with instant documents, so you focus on your performance.
Please note: There are other insurance providers besides Encore Insure – you may wish to research your options before making a decision. You can find some options in our services directory.
The Fringe Society is not able to act on your behalf and does not have any jurisdiction over your arrangements. The Fringe Society has not received any payment for listings on this page but if a company chooses to advertise with us elsewhere, they will have paid at the usual rates. The Fringe Society is an impartial organisation and so does not recommend one company over another.
Insurance cover needs to be arranged directly between the provider and the company or performer involved.
Exceptional performance requirements
Venue licensing terms can be limited – if your show includes any special requirements (eg pyrotechnics, firearms and late performance times), check these with the venue manager and ensure the Council is notified, in case an inspection is required.
Smoking ban
- Smoking is not permitted in public indoor spaces in Scotland, including on stage or in green rooms.
- Under Scottish law this prohibition extends to herbal cigarettes.
- There is no exemption for artistic purposes.
Failure to comply will usually result in a substantial fine for the smoker and the venue.
Working with children
- Where children are engaged to work in a theatrical production, the performing company is required to apply for a licence from the local authority where the child is undergoing his/her education.
- Adult company members can be vetted through Disclosure Scotland, the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme or the Disclosure and Barring Service to ensure their suitability for working with minors.
See the Useful Numbers and Websites in the Appendix of the Fringe Handbook for Doing a Show for further contact details.
Working with animals
If your show includes animals:
- Inform the City of Edinburgh Council when your venue applies for its entertainment licence.
- Adhere to the guidelines of the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals throughout the production.