We had group of about 15 people including academics and makers. We quite quickly acknowledged that at present the sector is quite lucky that there isn't too much regulation and on the whole authorities are quite supportive. There was an interesting comment coming from one of the group about the fact that commercial work can come with guidelines for Brand Protection that can restrict risk taking and creativity. That aside most people felt the restrictions they face are more to do with the resource (incl knowledge) that they have access to and that we should still all feel that anything is possible.

Our discussions overwhelming supported the creation of a loose network that could provide general guidelines about best practice and be a resource for new companies to learn from if they choose. This network could also potentially provide some opportunity for mentorship and allow for some self regulation of the industry. It could also give some visibility as at the moment it would be hard for an external organisation to be able to connect with the board 'scene' as there ins't an obvious focal point.

Examples of potential models to look at are the Rural Touring Forum, SKIRT (an university drama dept network) and the Gun Powder Plot.

There was a feeling that it would be best if one company wasn't overtly pushing the network as this might put off some people wanting to get involved. It would be best if it was neutral and also this might minimise the risk of any one company or individual being held accountable if an incident occurred after someone followed the guidelines. With this in mind, they really should be just be a list of guiding principles that makers then need to taylor to their project. Also, I personally feel that in the creation of this list, if we could acknowledge from the outset that this type of work will naturally shift and change over time, then this could avoid a situation of one size fits all guideline being created that will ultimately be a barrier to creativity. Instead this Network would hopefully be able to support the development of new forms along with maintaining established methods and provide safe working environments for both audience and performers.