ITV, Sky, BBC, Channel 4 and Channel 5 are the first UK broadcasters to announce their support for the establishment of the proposed new Independent Standards Authority (ISA), committing immediate financial support for the next stage of its development.
The proposals for the ISA, which have been developed by Time’s Up UK in consultation with the creative industries, led by Caroline Norbury OBE, chief executive of Creative UK, are designed to ensure that anyone who has suffered abuse, harassment and bullying can receive confidential advice, mediation and crucially, investigation into complaints.
The ISA already supported by the BFI, BAFTA, BECTU, the PMA and the Casting Director’s Guild and is now finalising this consultation period with TV and Film.
Dame Heather Rabbatts (pictured), chair, Time’s Up UK, said: “It is well known that concerns are often not raised until after Film & TV productions have ceased, where broadcasters and production companies no longer have remit to address them. In this grey space many suffer in silence. Nor is there any process, especially where there are multiple allegations. The ISA will conduct expert led investigations where both sides can be heard by an independent panel of skilled investigators working to the highest standards of legal confidentiality.”
Commenting on the announcement Carolyn McCall, CEO, ITV, said: “ITV is committed to creating an environment where those who work in our industry or appear on our shows are treated fairly, with respect and feel included. The primary responsibility for that has to be with the production companies that make our shows but it’s clear that the structure of our industry can lead to gaps in support and protection or uncertainty about how to raise issues. ITV is supporting the establishment of the ISA to ensure these gaps are filled and that everyone’s voice is heard.”
The next stage - which the creative industries will fund – is to design the remit, structure and funding arrangements for the ISA.
Alex Mahon, chief executive, Channel 4, said: “Everyone has a right to be their genuine selves at work and feel safe so that they can progress their careers without fear of being bullied or harassed. Together with the work that is already being done by Channel 4 and our production partners individually to tackle this issue, the proposal to establish an Independent Standards Agency is a positive to step towards ensuring that the creative industry collectively takes responsibility to eradicate bullying and harassment once and for all.”
Pippa Considine
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