Turning insight into action: the impact of the Looking Glass Survey

The Looking Glass Survey is the UK’s only long-term study tracking mental health across the film, TV and cinema workforce. Since 2019, its findings have shaped the Charity’s services, influenced industry initiatives, and informed policy.

Now in its fifth iteration, the 2026 survey asks anyone working behind the scenes in UK film, TV or cinema to take part. This blog sets out what previous Looking Glass surveys have achieved – and why continued participation matters.

Seven years of evidence, seven years of change

The 2026 Looking Glass survey is here, and we’re asking anyone who works off-camera in UK film, TV, and cinema to spare 10 minutes to take part. 

This is the fifth Looking Glass survey since the research series began in 2019. Some people may wonder whether it’s worth completing the survey, particularly if they’ve taken part before. 

While a single survey can provide useful insight into a snapshot moment in time, real value comes from building a picture of patterns and trends across the workforce over time – providing powerful evidence that can’t be ignored. 

In this blog, we outline the real‑world impact of Looking Glass data, how it has influenced the industry in recent years, and why it’s so important that people continue to share their experiences.

Informing the Film and TV Charity’s activities

The Charity’s Toolkit for Mentally Health Productions – and the recent launch of the landmark set of Principles for Mentally Healthy Productions – were born from the stark findings of the Looking Glass research. 

They provide clear, practical guidance to help put mental health and wellbeing at the heart of every production, with Looking Glass data suggesting that productions doing so report better overall mental health outcomes than those that don’t. 

Inspiring industry initiatives 

In 2026, ITV launched its Green Room initiative in response to Looking Glass findings about loneliness across the workforce. Initially run as a pilot, the Green Room brought 25 freelancers together through networking opportunities, access to workspace at ITV’s London office, mentoring, and tailored workshops. 

This is just one clear example of how the Charity’s research insight is translating into tangible, real‑world support. 

Influencing further research and policy 

Looking Glass data has also played a key role in shaping wider research and policy conversations. Findings have informed and influenced a number of landmark publications. 

This includes the TV Industry Human Rights Forum’s report Let’s Fix It in Post and a policy briefing from academics at the University of Leeds titled ​“What’s on? Rethinking class in the television industry”. The research was also cited in the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee’s 2025 report on British Film and High-End Television.

The above are just a few examples of how Looking Glass findings help spark action. 

Why continued participation matters 

We know that systems-level change takes time and that there is still much more to do to improve working conditions across the industry. But lasting change starts with robust insight. And that insight depends on people taking the time to share their experiences.