Workers across the United Kingdom’s film, television, music, and theater sectors now have a dedicated channel to report concerns regarding harassment, abuse, and discrimination. The Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) launched the new portal this week after receiving official designation as a whistleblowing body by Parliament.
Under the new system, individuals can submit reports related to violations of CIISA standards that may impact others beyond the initial incident. The authority emphasized that all submissions are handled in confidence and that it will take “careful steps to protect the identity of individuals who come forward.”
The initiative follows a soft launch in June, during which approximately 30 reports were received by October 1. Officials anticipate a rise in submission volumes now that the service is fully operational. While the first stage of the service aims to map the scope of harmful behaviors across the sector rather than adjudicate individual cases, reporting through CIISA may afford workers additional legal protections under UK law, potentially overriding previous non-disclosure agreements.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy described the portal as a critical mechanism for ensuring workplace safety. “There is absolutely no place for abuse, harassment or discrimination in the workplace, and it is crucial that people have a confidential place to report any concerns so that action can be taken,” Nandy said. She added that the government expects employers to collaborate with CIISA and uphold the highest professional standards.
Helena Kennedy KC, chair of CIISA, called the launch a “milestone” for the sector. Acknowledging that the organization is industry-funded, she stressed that continued backing from the creative sector is essential to meet the growing demand for its services.
The launch occurs against the backdrop of high-profile legal proceedings involving entertainer Russell Brand, who is currently facing charges of rape, sexual assault, and indecent assault. Investigations into the allegations have highlighted how a culture of intimidation linked to Brand’s fame allowed alleged behavior to persist. Union leaders have pointed to structural issues within the industry as enabling such environments.
Philippa Childs, head of the entertainment workers’ union Bectu, noted that “extreme power imbalances, the preponderance of freelance employment, and the short-term nature of projects” have historically allowed predators to operate with impunity. She characterized the new platform as a vital step toward addressing bullying and harassment in an industry where bad actors could previously “hide in plain sight.”
Will this actually protect freelancers who fear blacklisting? Power imbalances run deep here.
Glad to see NLAs being challenged. Workers need more than just promises; they need enforcement.
Is it just me, or does this feel like a reaction to high-profile cases rather than genuine systemic change?
Finally, a safe space for creators to speak up. This is a huge step for accountability in the industry.