UK Film & TV: New Body to Establish Bullying Reporting Standards

An independent body in the UK is set to create industry-wide standards for reporting bullying and harassment in film and TV. Following high-profile incidents, including allegations against BBC’s Gregg Wallace, CIISA invites industry input to establish behavior expectations. This initiative seeks to enforce a culture of safety and inclusivity in creative workplaces, responding to the urgent need for clear standards in the industry.

The UK is establishing an independent body for reporting bullying and sexual harassment in the film and TV industries, creating necessary industry-wide standards. In light of recent high-profile allegations, including those against Gregg Wallace, the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) is now seeking industry input through a consultation that ends on January 27. This effort aims to help ensure safe, inclusive working environments across all productions, developing a unified standard for professional behavior.

CIISA’s initiative follows troubling reports of misconduct, prompting a call for definitive standards. The new framework intends to scale to all productions, facilitating a shared commitment to professional conduct. CIISA will use feedback from the consultation to craft industry-specific guidance that reinforces a culture of respect within the creative sectors, inspired by previous work facilitated by Time’s Up UK.

Niyi Akeju, the head of Standards Development at CIISA, expressed excitement for the consultation launch, inviting industry colleagues to contribute their insights. This collaborative approach aims to establish rigorous expectations of professional behavior, ensuring a safer workplace for everyone involved in creativity.

The urgency of these standards stems from various allegations against notable personalities, particularly in light of accusations against prominent BBC figures. Allegations against Wallace, who allegedly made inappropriate comments across many years, reflect a broader issue in the industry, highlighted by other incidents involving BBC staff. The accountability sought in these efforts represents a critical evolution in creative workplace standards, prioritizing safety and comfort for all contributors.

The establishment of the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority reflects a growing awareness of and response to bullying and harassment in the UK film and TV sectors. Following a wave of high-profile allegations, this independent body aims to develop measurable and scalable standards of behavior to enhance workplace culture. The initiative underscores a commitment to fostering safe and inclusive environments in the creative industries, promoting collaborative input from various stakeholders.

In summary, the UK’s move to establish CIISA signifies a proactive approach to tackling bullying and harassment in the creative industries. Aiming for industry-wide standards, CIISA encourages input from professionals and seeks to cultivate an environment where respect is paramount. As allegations against key figures continue to surface, this initiative represents a necessary step towards accountability and safer workplaces in film and television.

Original Source: deadline.com