The UK’s Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) has officially launched its independent online reporting service.
Workers in film, TV, music and theatre can now register whistleblowing concerns to CIISA via a secure and confidential online portal. As an officially designated whistleblowing body by the UK parliament, people can notify concerns to CIISA about experiences that relate to the CIISA Standards, and which may have a wider impact on others.
This includes concerns relating to harassment, discrimination, victimisation and other harmful practices.
Reports are confidential, and CIISA has committed to taking careful steps to protect the identity of individuals who have come forward. Workers who report concerns to CIISA may be entitled to additional legal protections under UK whistleblowing law, including where they may have previously signed Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
CIISA’s first-stage reporting service is initially focused on building a clearer picture of the behaviours and practices affecting people across the sector, rather than acting on individual cases.
The standards authority, which has been in the works since 2021, will use the information it receives to understand and identify important issues, themes and patterns, which it can then report back to industry and policymakers to recommend ways they can be addressed by organisations and the wider sector.
CIISA will also provide appropriate signposting where possible and make lawful referrals where necessary.
In the months from June to October 1, CIISA has received around 30 reports from all sectors it represents.
“I am saddened but not surprised that we have already received a number of concerns, including some of a serious nature, and I’d like to thank those already coming forward for their trust in CIISA, as an entirely safe and confidential place to raise concerns,” said CIISA CEO Jen Smith. “I am so pleased that today we are able to scale up our response to this urgent industry need.”
“Safety at work is non-negotiable, and we expect employers across the creative industries to work with CIISA and uphold the very highest standards,” added culture secretary Lisa Nandy.
“The creative sector is a UK success story and protecting the people who power that success is at the heart of CIISA’s ambitions; I’d like to thank the government and industry for their support in getting us to this place,” said CIISA chair Helena Kennedy. “However, as an industry-funded organisation, CIISA requires the full backing of the sector if it is to continue to meet the clear demand for its services.”
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