skip to main content

Major UK Broadcasters Back Calls for an ISA to Tackle Bullying and Harassment

ITV, Sky, BBC, Channel 4, and Channel 5 become the first UK broadcasters to back the next stage of Creative UK and UK Time’s Up proposal for an Independent Standards Authority to strengthen efforts to tackle bullying and harassment.

Published: 22 June 2022 | 6:02 PM
A music stand is empty against a brightly lit background
It is incumbent on all of us working in the sector to ensure our work practices and culture are of the highest standards. Photo credit: Shutterstock

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.

Ensuring that those who are the most vulnerable in our industry are supported

Dame Heather Rabbatts, 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.”

Caroline Norbury OBE, Chief Executive, Creative UK, said:

“The UK’s creative industries are rightly recognised as a global superpower. It is incumbent on all of us working in the sector to ensure our work practices and culture are of the highest standards.

“The ISA will be one of the ways we ensure that those who are the most vulnerable in our industry are supported and, that those with the most power to make change, have the tools and infrastructure to facilitate that change.

“The next stage - which the creative industries will fund - is to design the remit, structure and funding arrangements for the ISA.”

Find out more about the MU’s involvement in campaigning against sexual harrasment at work.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Brighton pier at sunrise.

Meet the MU at The Great Escape Festival 2025

The MU will once again be present at The Great Escape Festival, supporting members and engaging with key industry topics between Wednesday 14 and Friday 16 May in Brighton.

Published: 08 May 2025

Read more about Meet the MU at The Great Escape Festival 2025
Exterior long shot of Caird Hall, Dundee., where Congress takes place.

MU Represents Scottish Musicians at STUC Congress 2025

Last week we attended the annual Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) with MU Delegates Ronnie MacNiven, Ben Lunn and Calum Baird, who discussed the value of music education, fair work for musicians, the need for stability of the arts, and more. All of our motions were passed unanimously.

Published: 06 May 2025

Read more about MU Represents Scottish Musicians at STUC Congress 2025