Bafta trustees likely broke law with free awards tickets

Legal advice obtained at personal expense suggests that Bafta trustees likely committed offences under charity and company law by accepting free guest tickets to awards ceremonies.

Michael Pritchett, chair of the membership council, told members at the organization's annual general meeting that the charity's accounts stated no trustees received remuneration or benefits. This declaration contradicted the practice of providing complimentary top-table seats for trustees and their guests.

The arrangement potentially lasted for 20 years. At the film awards, a second ticket sold for £2,000. Pritchett noted that the charity's governing document prohibits trustees from receiving such benefits. The public register also listed that trustees received no payments or benefits.

“Counsel advises that offences under the Charities Act and Companies Act are likely to have been committed by the trustees who approved those accounts,” Pritchett said. He added that he discovered the issue while performing his duties for the committee.

Pritchett raised concerns about tax liabilities. He stated that benefits of this kind were likely taxable since 2016. He noted that national insurance could have been payable by Bafta. He could not determine if the arrangements were reported to relevant authorities.

Sara Putt, the outgoing chair, said the board decided to end the guest ticket practice in 2025 following a recommendation from its governance committee. She stated that an independent review group is currently examining the separate guest ticket and accounting matters.

Trustees are volunteers who attend events in a working capacity. They host tables and act as ambassadors for the academy. The guest ticket was a longstanding custom from a period when demand for awards tickets was lower.

Pritchett criticized a senior executive for refusing to provide records of who received complimentary tickets. He argued that the records belong to the charity, whose members paid £4.7m in fees the previous year. He called on trustees to pay any taxes due, repay money owed, and correct the accounts.

Putt responded that the board would pay any taxes if told they were due. She noted that Bafta's own legal counsel had access to a fuller picture of the charity's circumstances than the committee members. A Bafta spokesperson confirmed that the independent review of the historic guest ticket arrangement is under way.