A new watchdog group to oversee standards of conduct in the TV, film, music and theatre industries aims to create a “safer environment” for workers after years of revelations about abuse, bullying and harassment, its leaders said.
When it launches next year, people will be able to report complaints to the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (Ciisa).
Founder Heather Rabbatts said she was “delighted” with the response from broadcasters, producers and record labels after a fundraising appeal in June which was backed by stars including Keira Knightley and Cara Delevingne.
However, questions remain as to whether Ciisa has sufficient powers and capacity to address current issues.
The new organisation has been in the planning stages for several years, after Heather, who founded Time’s Up UK in 2018, realised that many victims of bullying and harassment had nowhere to turn for help.
The case also came after former “X Factor” singer Rebecca Ferguson, who says she was exploited and bullied in the music industry, launched a campaign for better regulation.
Keira Knightley signed a letter in support of the new organisation earlier this year. [Getty Images]
Abuse is rife in an industry where bosses and stars wield great power over young performers and workers aspiring to make a career in the field, as well as freelance staff who lead precarious lives.
“It is often those in power who exploit very vulnerable individuals who lack employment protection. [the creative industry] “It has certain characteristics that set it apart from other sectors,” said Ms Heather, interim chair of Ciisa.
Interim chief executive Jen Smith said: “What we hear most often from our colleagues in the creative industries is a lack of provision for independent and confidential advice and support, which is badly needed.”
“70% of our community is freelance. They often don’t know where to go. [for help]”
This doesn’t just help those working behind the scenes: Smith said Ciisa would also have helped address recent complaints from some celebrities about alleged bullying on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing.
“It is precisely in these scenarios that I believe an independent body could bring real added value to the sector.”
Singer Rebecca Ferguson has been calling for restrictions for years. [Getty Images]
The launch of Ciisa can’t come soon enough for some people.
Earlier this year, trade union Bectu published research finding that 92% of creative workers have witnessed or experienced bullying or harassment at work, and one in five have suffered serious sexual assault at work.
And the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee published a report concluding that the music industry remains a “man’s world” where sexual harassment and abuse are commonplace due to a “culture of silence”.
“The entertainment and creative industries have had a problem with systemic misconduct and abuse for decades,” Alexa Morden, host of The 98% podcast, which talks about the realities of acting, told BBC News.
“The hierarchical structure of the industry allows those in positions of influence to exploit individuals and abuse their power.”
Morden said she has heard many stories through the podcast that are “abhorrent but unfortunately not so shocking anymore.”
Morden believes Ciisa is “vital to finally bring proper safeguards and regulations into this industry”.
But she added that she would face the challenge of overcoming a “culture of fear” that permeates the entertainment industry and dealing with “resistance from people who have built their success on exploiting others.”
“Only time will tell.”
Ciisa has appointed Baroness Helena Kennedy, a prominent lawyer, as chairperson, replacing Ms Heather.
When someone makes a complaint, the organisation offers advice, dispute resolution and mediation, helps with reporting to the police where appropriate and, in some cases, launches its own investigations.
Ahead of the launch, Ciisa is drawing up a set of behavioural standards to help it determine whether someone has crossed the line.
But its powers are limited: Although the agency is self-regulatory and has the backing of most of the industry’s major players and governments, it has no power to impose financial, disciplinary or criminal sanctions.
“We’re going to guide them appropriately to where it’s most relevant from an accountability standpoint,” Smith said.
“But our words are about recommendations, improvements and appropriate accountability. That is the tone and language of Ciisa.”
A House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee report welcomed Ciisa but said it was “not a panacea for all the industry’s problems” and that “only time will tell whether it has the power needed to drive the change that is needed”.
And once launched, the organization will likely reveal the true scale of fraud in the industry, only a fraction of which makes the headlines.
“We’re a new organization, and the reality is we’re modeling very carefully for every eventuality,” Smith said.
“But because we’re new and unique, it’s hard to gauge the scale of what’s happening to people. That’s why creating Ciisa is so important. We’ve done very careful due diligence in creating it.”
“We are making sure that all of our technical underpinnings, including our operating model, are completely sound so that we can launch our services if a volume of reports or issues are brought to us or advice is sought. We intend to be absolutely ready.”