Both government and leaders across the creative sector have endorsed the creation of CIISA to play a crucial role in upholding and improving standards of behaviour across the creative industries, acknowledging the need for a dedicated, independent authority to combat bullying and harassment and bullying and harassment of a discriminatory nature.
CIISA aims to provide an independent safe space where individuals can report experiences of poor workplace behaviours without fear of repercussion, knowing that their concerns will be taken seriously. CIISA provides a place where the full picture can be given, what needs to change, and what can be done to make that happen. CIISA represents the agreed steps that leaders, individuals, and organisations from across the creative industries have asked for – and committed to taking – to ensure we collectively uphold and improve standards of behaviour through independent accountability and learning.
SOLT & UK Theatre’s Co-CEOs, Claire Walker and Hannah Essex say:
“SOLT & UK Theatre support CIISA’s aim to uphold and improve standards of behaviour across the creative industries. We look forward to continuing to work with them to develop this important organisation in the months ahead.”
And here are some words from our colleague across the industry who are already committed to supporting CIISA:
Andrew Leveson, Executive Director, RSC says, “Addressing the problem of bullying, harassment and discrimination requires a change in culture in every sector of the arts. It may take time, but that is why the RSC is determined to actively support the development of CIISA to ensure that deep culture and systems change will happen. From building a positive culture and collective accountability to enabling confidential reporting of harmful behaviours without fear of reprisal, we are committed to ensuring that our theatres are safe, dignified and equitable workplaces for all those working within them.”
Kate Varah, National Theatre Co-Chief Executive and Executive Director, says, “At the National Theatre, we are committed to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We’ve been proud to support CIISA from the very beginning, recognising the important role it will play in preventing those working in the industry from experiencing inappropriate behaviour. It is vital that we work together to end all forms of bullying and harassment in the creative sector and CIISA’s work will ensure long lasting positive change for all.”
Philippa Childs, Head of Bectu, says, “Everyone should be able to do their job free from the threat of any form of harassment. But Bectu’s own research earlier this year revealed that more than 9 in 10 theatre workers had experienced or witnessed sexual harassment in the workplace – and just 20% were confident that complaints would be properly investigated and dealt with by their employer.
“It’s been great to see many creative sector organisations signal their support for CIISA, but financial buy-in from across the creative industries is critical for CIISA to have maximum impact and really help shift the dial on the sector’s bullying and harassment problem. The theatre sector must now stand by its workforce and commit to financially backing CIISA, to ensure the authority can move from its development to the operational phase.”
Jenny Mollica, Chief Executive of ENO and London Coliseum says, “Bullying, harassment and discrimination have no place in the creative sector, and that’s why English National Opera and the London Coliseum are proud to actively support the CIISA initiative. We are committed to working collectively with CIISA and industry colleagues to drive the long-term, positive cultural change that is needed – ensuring safer, inclusive and respectful working environments for everyone.”
Niamh Flanagan, Executive Director, Theatre & Dance NI says, “CIISA, the new independent standards authority is an important and essential organisation which will support keeping our people and the industry safe, accountable, and fit for purpose. The creation of this body has been informed, collaborative and focused, and it now needs widespread financial support to enable it to function to the proposed highest of standards. Please support CIISA to enable change and help secure a safer industry where everyone can have confidence that they will be protected, supported and valued.”
Laura Stevenson, Executive Director, The Old Vic, says “The Old Vic are wholly supportive of CIISA’s work in spearheading and supporting cultural change across the theatre and wider creative industries. Collectively, we can ensure fairness across all venues and tackle wrongful behaviours so that we can create safe, professional and enjoyable working environments for those who continue to keep the sector alive.”
Louise Miles-Payne, Director / Cyfarwyddwr, Creu Cymru, says, “Supporting the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) aligns with our commitment to fostering safe, inclusive, and ethical environments across the arts in Wales. By championing these standards, we ensure that our creative spaces are places where talent can thrive free from fear, ultimately enhancing the integrity and reputation of our industry.”
Fiona Sturgeon Shea, Chief Executive Officer, Federation of Scottish Theatre, says, “We wholeheartedly welcome this initiative as a crucial step towards fostering a safe and inclusive working environment for all professionals within the creative industries, including the performing arts. FST’s own guides addressing Harassment in the Performing Arts (HiPA) were developed with the knowledge of CIISA being established, as well as the introduction of the Worker Protection Act, in mind. The work of HiPA – designed to help people experiencing or witnessing sexual harassment in the workplace, and to support organisations responding to complaints – will benefit hugely from the vital role a dedicated, independent authority will play. Working together, we can ensure that these harmful behaviours have no place in a progressive and healthy creative sector.”
Charlotte Jones, CEO Independent Theatre Council (ITC) says: “As the Management Association for the Independent performing arts ITC is committed to promoting dignity at work and ethical employment. We are hopeful that CIISA will complement our work in dispute resolution and provide much needed support whilst holding arts leaders to account. There is no place for bullying and harassment in our industry. Good, fair management and agreed standards of behaviour are essential to the health and sustainability of our sector.”
Emma Evans, Head of Creative Experiences, Wales Millennium Centre says: “CIISA is an essential addition to the Creative Industries landscape. At Wales Millennium Centre we are committed to working with CIISA to drive forward the cultural change necessary to ensure an environment that centres care, dignity and respect at work for everyone. There is no place for bullying, harassment or discrimination in our workplaces and we believe that CIISA will play a vital role within the sector to help support and create consistently safe and inclusive cultures and hold us all accountable for the change that needs to happen.”
Yasmin Khan, Arts Council England, Director, Individual Practitioners and London, says: “Arts Council England warmly welcomes the development of the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority and stands ready to encourage further support within the sector. We believe everyone, everywhere has the right to lead a creative life free from bullying and harassment.
“CIISA’s critical call to action resonates with some of the themes that were identified in our soon to be published Freelancer Study. The development of CIISA will complement the work we are already doing to support individuals in the workplace through our guidance on Supporting Practitioners and processes for raising concerns in the Consulting with Creatives and Cultural Practitioners Policy.”