Time’s Up and Creative UK team to create bullying and harassment watchdog

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Barbara Broccoli

Source: Screen File

Barbara Broccoli

Barbara Broccoli, Rebecca Ferguson, Nadine Dorries, Heather Rabbatts, Caroline Norbury, Krishnendu Majumdar, Peter Bazalgette and Ade Rawcliffe are among the leading industry figures backing the creation of an Independent Standards Authority for the film and TV industry.

Time’s Up UK and Creative UK are consulting stakeholders about the nascent Independent Standards Authority (ISA), developed in collaboration with law firm Fieldfisher. The ISA will aim to respond to industry concerns including the protection of freelancers, self-employed workers and those on short-term and informal contracts.

Fieldfisher partner Jill Greenfield has previously represented victims of high-profile abusers including Harvey Weinstein.

The ISA aims to strengthen efforts to tackle bullying and harassment by providing a “just process for complaints and for those accused,” according to chair of UK Time’s Up Rabbatts,.

“Only by creating a body which stands fully independent, with processes and investigations informed by legal standards of confidentiality, can there be confidence and trust, and more broadly, for the integrity of the industry to be assured.”

The proposal has received backing from bodies including Bafta, BFI, Bectu and the Production Managers Association (PMA) as well as high-profile figures including Ferguson and actress Keira Knightley.

The lack of resource for individuals who have suffered harassment after a production has concluded was highlighted as a particular issue that the body will seek to address. It also plans to offer mediation services for survivors who do not want a formal investigation, as well as those offering insight and good practice from the learning that derives from these mediations.

The service is being developed in close collaboration with The Hollywood Commission, a US body created to prevent discrimination, harassment and abuse in entertainment.

Initital focus

During its early phase of establishment, the ISA plans to initially cover film and TV, with the wider creative industries joining subsequently.

The proposed authority has been welcomed by culture secretary Dorries, who attended an industry roundtable in January of this year. “I feel strong that it is for the creative industries to ensure the welfare of those working in them,” she said. “I encourage industry to improve welfare standards and fully address unacceptable behaviour and practices.”

The foundations of the authority were first laid out in 2017 after the BFI, Bafta and Time’s Up UK came together to develop guidance and principles to tackle bullying and harassment. A cross-industry group was subsequently created, led by Creative UK’s Norbury, with representatives from the music, TV, film, theatre, advertising, video games and fashion sectors.

Rebecca Ferguson said: “The ISA is a monumental step that will support future creatives, which could include your children, grandchildren or family members. Every industry deserves good practice and standards so that we can all work together harmoniously.”

The full list of voices backing the ISA is below:

UK Time’s Up