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

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.