Theatre groups support new authority to tackle bullying within creative industry
Proposals for the CIISA have been developed by Time’s Up UK in consultation with the creative industries.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Society of London Theatre (Solt) and UK Theatre are the latest to support the formation of a new organisation to prevent and tackle bullying and harassment within the creative industry.
Last year, major broadcasters – ITV, Sky, BBC, Channel 4, and Channel 5 – backed the next stage of development for the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) in order to help create working environments which focus on “respect and diversity”.
Proposals for the CIISA have been developed by Time’s Up UK in consultation with the creative industries, led by Caroline Norbury, chief executive of Creative UK.
The body aims to uphold and improve standards of behaviour across the creative industries by providing services, insight, research, policy, influence and advocacy.
As proud partners of CIISA, the theatre sector welcomes this opportunity to show its commitment to tackling bullying and harassment once and for all.
These services are expected to include mediation, investigation, early dispute resolution and immediate advice for those affected.
It also hopes to use the learning from investigations, trends and data alongside the sector sharing expertise with one another to prevent future issues.
In terms of advocacy, it will likely target lobbying for a legal definition of bullying, preventing misuse of NDAs, advocating for better advice and protections for freelancers.
Promoting inclusivity and tackling inequality are also important aims and so they have said anti-discrimination measures have been added to the authority’s proposed model.
Claire Walker and Hannah Essex, co-chief executives of SOLT and UK Theatre, said: “As proud partners of CIISA, the theatre sector welcomes this opportunity to show its commitment to tackling bullying and harassment once and for all.
“We look forward to working with our members to support the development of this much-needed organisation in the coming months.”
Solt represents about 230 London-based producers, theatre owners and managers, including all the major subsidised theatrical organisations in London.
UK Theatre, meanwhile, represents around 240 theatres, concert halls, dance companies, producers and arts centres across the UK.
It also supports more than 1,400 individuals working professionally in theatre and the performing arts in the UK.
Jennifer Smith, interim chief executive of CIISA, added: “The purpose of CIISA is prevention from harm and to ensure there are consistently safe workplaces for our talented workforce to thrive in.
“We are delighted to be working very closely with the theatre sector’s leading performing arts trade bodies alongside the film and TV industries and thank them for their commitment and support for CIISA as we continue to develop our proposals over the coming months.”
CIISA is in its early stages of development and is planning on consultation with the creative industries in the Spring/Summer 2023, with the aim of going live in early 2024.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.