The Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) has launched an independent online reporting portal, giving workers across the music, film, TV and theatre sectors a secure and confidential way to raise whistleblowing concerns.
As an officially designated whistleblowing body, people can report concerns to CIISA about experiences that relate to the CIISA Standards, including harassment, discrimination, victimisation and other harmful practices.
CIISA says it will take careful steps to protect the identity of individuals who come forward.
"There is absolutely no place for abuse, harassment or discrimination in the workplace, and it is crucial that people have a confidential place to report any concerns so that action can be taken," said Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.
"CIISA's new reporting portal is an important step in tackling this issue, and this government will continue to back them every step of the way. Safety at work is non-negotiable, and we expect employers across the creative industries to work with CIISA and uphold the very highest standards.”
The opening of CIISA’s online reporting portal marks a significant step forward for the creative sector
Jen Smith, CIISA
CIISA soft-launched its reporting service in June following its recognition by Parliament as an official whistleblowing entity, and has since received around 30 reports. With the launch of its online reporting service expected to drive an increase in reports, CIISA has introduced an initial service to manage anticipated demand, build insight and provide targeted support to those requiring immediate assistance.
“The opening of CIISA’s online reporting portal marks a significant step forward for the creative sector,"
said Jen Smith, CEO of CIISA. "By offering an independent space for people to report whistleblowing concerns we can finally begin to close the accountability gaps that have persisted for too long.
“I am saddened but not surprised that we have already received a number of concerns, including some of a serious nature, and I’d like to thank those already coming forward for their trust in CIISA, as an entirely safe and confidential place to raise concerns. I am so pleased that today we are able to scale up our response to this urgent industry need.”
Since we established our MU Safe Space service in 2019, we have unfortunately received a constant stream of reports
Naomi Pohl, Musicians Union
Workers who report concerns to CIISA may be entitled to additional legal protections under UK whistleblowing law, including where they may have previously signed Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
Rather than acting on individual cases, CIISA’s first-stage reporting service is initially focused on building a clearer picture of the behaviours and practices affecting people across the sector.
"We are pleased to see CIISA is now able to receive reports from survivors and build up a picture of behaviours and conduct that persist across the creative industries," said Naomi Pohl, general secretary of the Musicians’ Union. "Since we established our MU Safe Space service in 2019, we have unfortunately received a constant stream of reports. Freelancers are particularly vulnerable and need places they can go to safely report and access support. We hope CIISA’s work will make cultural change and act as a deterrent, as well as helping affected individuals."
CIISA will use reports it receives to understand and identify important issues, themes and patterns, using the evidence to inform recommendations for industry and policymakers. It will also provide appropriate signposting and make lawful referrals where necessary.
UK Music CEO Tom Kiehl added: “UK Music is a long-standing champion of CIISA which has a vital role to play in our industry and the 220,000 people who work in our sector, many of whom are in freelance roles. This confidential reporting service will be an invaluable support to help those facing discrimination, harassment and other harmful behaviours. It will give people a safe space to report their concerns with the confidence they will be heard and their information protected.
"We look forward to continuing to work with CIISA as they further develop their services to ensure the music industry is a safe, inclusive welcoming space for everyone.”
