How to Apply/FAQs
1. Visit the Safe Sets YPS Training Website
Information on the application window, training outline and application criteria are outlined on the website.
2. Complete the Application Form
We are accepting applications. Please fill out the form and we will be in touch with you very shortly.
3. When is the course due to be run?
Our aim presently is to run the course in February 2026
Overview of the course: 5 online modules (3 hour sessions over 4 weeks), 4 days in person (09:00-17:00, London or South Africa Feb 2026) and an ongoing commitment to guided mentorship over six months from Safe Sets trainers.
Proposed dates:
Online modules: 2-23 February (TBC)
In-person modules: 26 February - 1 March 2026 (TBC)
4. How long is the course
The core training will be from the 1st February 2026 and finish the 1st March 2026*.
Following the core training there will be some online mentoring sessions where we will cover additional modules and give the cohort an opportunity to check in and feedback with each other and the trainers.
These check-ins/mentor sessions aim to enable on going support and learning within the YPS community.
5. How much will the course cost?
For the online modules, the in person training, the mentorship and MHFA for Young People, the total fees are £2750 (R65,000).
It will be possible to pay in two instalments; one prior to the start of the online course, and one prior to the in-person.
As this is a brand new role on set and a new course, we don't currently have any funding partners, so there will not be any scholarships or bursaries available for the 2026 in take.
If you are interested in joining the course, please fill in the application form as soon as possible, so that we can meet you at the first opportunity, which will hopefully give you some time to raise any funds required.
6. What should I do to prepare?
Have a look at our application criteria page.
You should have practical experience primarily working with minors. In addition you should have professional experience working in the arts and entertainment industry. The strongest applicants will be those who currently work in both.
Take this time to look at any gaps you may have and see if you can get either practical or theoretical experience in the areas where you currently lack the required skills to strengthen your application.
7. Who is the YPS training course for?
The YPS course will be most suitable for practitioners with existing experience in the film, television industry or the entertainment industry who ideally already have experience working with minors.
8. I'm an Intimacy Coordinator - Do I need to do the whole course?
Yes, you will need to do the whole course.
The structure of the course is modified from intimacy coordination to address the needs of young people. The in-person training will embed theoretical learning from the online modules into praxis.
For intimacy coordinators we are aware that there will be a knowledge overlap in some places, however, a key component of the YPS is acting coaching for minors which is not necessarily part of an Intimacy Coordinator's skill set.
Additionally we'll be looking at reporting, communication and support that is specific to the practice of the CIS.
9. I'm a Chaperone/Child Minder - Can I apply?
A Young Performer Support Specialist, like an Intimacy Coordinator, approaches the production from a story lead perspective working closely with the actors, the directors and their parents/guardians. The YPS finds a balance between creating and maintaining a safe/brave space for the child to work, while assisting them on delivering the performance that the director needs to tell the story.
If you have a background in acting, performance coaching or similar, then up skilling to become a YPS might be possible. Please do reach out to the Safe Sets team if you would like to discuss your suitability.
It is not the Young Performer Support Specialst's role to monitor working time, education, meal breaks etc. on set, an appropriately qualified Chaperone or Child Minder should fulfil these duties. The YPS does have a duty of care however, and would flag if they felt there were any issues arising on set if these needs weren't being met.
10. Is the Young Performer Support Specialist the same as the Child Intimacy Specialist?
Yes. Prior to 2025 the YPS was known as the CIS.
The name was changed as the inclusion of the word 'intimacy' was misleading. When scenes require intimacy it is still the recommendation to work with an appropriately qualified Intimacy Coordinator in collaboration with the Young Performer Support Specialist.
