The UK government's Department For Culture, Media And Sport last week confirmed that the new Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority - backed by key companies and organisations in the UK TV, film, theatre and music sectors - will be ready to start considering cases from next year.
The new authority aims to help prevent and tackle bullying and harassment across the UK creative industries. It has been in development for a while now, informed by discussions led by Creative UK and various culture ministers.
Current culture minister Lucy Frazer says: “We want to maximise the potential of our creative industries to create growth and jobs across the country. Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy a creative career, while feeling safe and working in a professional environment. It’s important that industry comes together to tackle bullying, harassment and discrimination, so Britain’s creative sectors remain some of the best in the world to be a part of".
Within the music community, Rebecca Ferguson has been particularly vocal about the need for an entity like the CIISA. Calling for the music industry to embrace the new authority, she says: “There is an opportunity to change the way creatives are treated in our country”.
“By supporting this you are making history”, she continues. “CIISA is a monumental step: they will support future creatives, which could include your children, grandchildren or family members. By supporting CIISA you are making our industry safer and impacting people’s lives in a very positive way".
Various music industry organisations are also supporting the scheme, including the BPI, which has contributed to the funding of the authority. Its CEO, Jo Twist, states: “There is no place for harassment and discrimination in our society or in the creative industries”.
“The BPI is pleased to provide funding to support this next stage in the development of CIISA”, she adds, “which can play a valuable role, particularly for the freelance workforce, alongside the many actions that our label members are already taking. We look forward to CIISA involving all parts of the music industry in the coming months".