The BFI’s director of culture and inclusion Jen Smith has been seconded to become interim CEO of the Independent Standards Authority (ISA), an organisation led by Creative UK and Time’s Up UK which aims to tackle bullying and harassment.
Smith will formalise the ISA’s remit and structure, and establish funding arrangements and key milestones ahead of its formal launch in 2024.
She will also seek to broaden the body’s scope, with a view to it including those working in music, theatre, fashion and advertising.
The ISA is designed to ensure that people experiencing bullying and harassment while working in the creative industries can receive confidential advice and mediation. The ISA will also investigate the most serious and complex complaints.
“For too long the creative industries have failed to provide an independent place for people to report experiences of poor behaviour, bullying and harassment,” said Smith. “The establishment of the ISA will be transformative in helping address this void. The ISA will have the power to lead investigations and will do so without fear or favour.”
Smith said she hoped the ISA will be “a truly intersectional organisation offering support and expertise to people facing these issues.”
Time’s Up UK has developed the ISA in consultation with the creative industries, led by Caroline Norbury, chief executive of Creative UK. Led by Smith, the BFI lay the foundations for this work, partnering with Bafta and Time’s Up UK to bring the film and television sectors together in 2017 to develop guidance and principles to tackle bullying and harassment which were launched the following year.
The ISA has received financial backing from leading UK broadcasters BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky.
Smith joined the BFI as head of diversity in April 2017, with her role subsequently becoming head of inclusion then director of culture and inclusion.
“Jen has been a driving force of our inclusion work over the past five years, effectively navigating the complexities of the screen industries to support our organisation and the wider industry take meaningful steps towards being more inclusive and representative,” said Ben Roberts, CEO, BFI. “She is perfectly placed to formalise the role and the remit of the ISA, which has the potential to be a game-changer in addressing unacceptable behaviour in our industry.”
“We are all aware that there is more to do and the need to build on the extensive work to date by so many,” said Heather Rabbatts, chair, Time’s Up UK. “The issue of bullying and harassment is present in the culture across the creative industries and indeed recent comment on those shows which celebrate toxic behaviour, yet again underlines the importance of being clear on what is and is not acceptable.”
Norbury said she is “grateful to the BFI for their generosity” in seconding Smith, who will “help us move the dial on working practices within the creative industries.”
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