Whistleblowing Portal Launches in U.K. for Entertainment Industry Workers to Report Abuse, Harassment and Discrimination

Workers across the U.K.’s film, TV, music and theater sectors are now able to report whistleblowing concerns, including those relating to harassment and abuse, following the launch of a new portal by the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA).

As an officially designated whistleblowing body, people will now be able to report concerns to CIISA about experiences that relate to the CIISA Standards, and which may have a wider impact on others. Reports are made in confidence, with CIISA saying it will take “careful steps to protect the identity of individuals who come forward.”

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The launch comes just as a the U.K. legal system grapples with one of the entertainment industry’s most high-profile cases of alleged abuse, with Russell Brand currently in court charged with three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. According to reports and investigations into the allegations, a culture of fear and intimidation by Brand’s fame and influence allowed the alleged behaviour to persist for many years.

The launch also comes following a soft-launch of the reporting service in June. After its recognition in Parliament as an official whistleblowing entity, CIISA has since received around 30 reports (as of 1 October) and now anticipates an increase in the volume.

“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,” said culture secretary Lisa Nandy.

“CIISA’s new reporting portal is an important step in tackling this issue, and this government will continue to back them every step of the way. 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 Helena Kennedy KC, chair of CIISA: “This marks an important milestone for CIISA and the creative industries. 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. 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.”

Philippa Childs, head of entertainment workers union Bectu said that CIISA was create because “extreme power imbalances, the preponderance of freelance employment, and the short-term nature of projects have meant that the creative industries were a place where sexual predators and bullies could hide in plain sight.”

She added: “Giving workers an anonymous, industry-wide, recognised platform to blow the whistle on bad behaviour is a crucial next step along the path to address bullying and harassment.”

Workers who report concerns to the CIISA may be entitled to additional legal protections under U.K. whistleblowing law, including where they may have previously signed NDAs. However, CIISA’s first-stage reporting service is initially focussed on building what it describes as a “clearer picture of the behaviours and practices affecting people across the sector,” rather than acting on individual cases.