New standards in creative industries – a step towards safer work environments
A new professional standards body for the creative industries has set out its plans to make artistic workplaces safer after a survey suggested more than 40 percent of staff have faced bullying, harassment or discrimination in the past year.
The entertainment industry has long been criticised for its concerning workplace culture, rampant with incidents of bullying and abuse. Recent findings from the Film + TV Charity’s Looking Glass Survey have underscored the urgent need for cultural change, with the alarming statistics revealing that:
- 41% of respondents faced bullying, harassment or discrimination in the past year;
- Over half (53%) of those who experienced inappropriate behaviour chose not to report it to anyone at work or an official authority;
- Among those who did raise concerns, only 16% felt their situation at work improved, while 21% felt it worsened.
In light of the concerning findings, it is not surprising the respondents’ mental health self-ratings were at their lowest levels since the charity’s inaugural Looking Glass Survey in 2019.
The Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority
Recent high-profile scandals involving figures such as Russell Brand and Tim Westwood have highlighted serious shortcomings in how misconduct claims are investigated and addressed, indicating systemic issues with accountability.
In response to the growing crisis, the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) was established, with an aim of creating a safer and more accountable industry.
First phase – the CIISA Standards
CIISA’s mission is to uphold and improve standards of behaviour across the creative industries by preventing and addressing issues such as bullying and harassment.
As part of its first phase, the authority unveiled the CIISA Standards, a new framework setting out the minimum expected behaviours across the industry. The standards focus on four crucial areas:
- Safe working environments;
- Inclusive working environments;
- Open and accountable reporting mechanisms;
- Responsive learning culture
CIISA has released two guides detailing how individuals, managers and senior leadership can work together to promote these standards, setting the foundation for a cultural shift.
Second phase
Over the next year, CIISA is looking to implement its second phase. CEO, Andrew Medlock, recently spoke at the Glasgow Film Festival about upcoming developments including proposals for a confidential reporting mechanism, designed to gather detailed insights into the ongoing misconduct within the industry.
This data will be used to inform further guidance and training for employers, ensuring the CIISA Standards are adapted to reflect industry professionals’ real experiences.
Medlock has emphasised the importance of accountability, noting organisations that receive a high volume of complaints will be put ‘on notice’, challenging them to take steps to transparently address concerns.
This is a highly welcomed development for the industry, which has previously been notorious for turning a blind eye.
Third phase
Whilst details are yet to be confirmed, Medlock has briefly touched on CIISA’s third phase, which aims to handle mediation and dispute resolution in the “most severe and complex” cases.
Looking forward, it will remain necessary to keep a close eye on the creative industries to determine whether the standards will make a real difference in creating safer and more inclusive workplaces.
It is hoped CIISA’s proposals will lead to meaningful change, fostering environments in which industry professionals feel empowered to speak up, knowing incidents of misconduct will be dealt with effectively. It is imperative the industry prioritises the safety and wellbeing of its professionals, and works towards a culture of accountability.
Abuse of any form should not be tolerated. If you have been the victim of bullying or inappropriate behaviour at work, we encourage you to reach out to Bolt Burdon Kemp for a free and confidential conversation with one of our experts.
