Britain’s New Whistleblowing Service for Film and TV Bullying Complaints Launches This September
Nearly five years after the Noel Clarke scandal, Britain’s independent complaints body for bullying and harassment is set to launch a significant whistleblowing service.
The Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) will introduce its hotline in September, announcing that individuals who report concerns may be eligible for additional legal protections under UK whistleblowing law. This includes protections for those who may have previously signed Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
CIISA has achieved official recognition as a whistleblowing body by the UK government, which enhances its capacity to protect those who report misconduct. A Public Interest Disclosure Order, effective June 2, designates CIISA as a ‘Prescribed Person’ for disclosures concerning the film, television, music, and theater sectors.
In its report titled Empowering Creativity by Protecting People, CIISA outlined its strategic vision for the next three years. The service is focused on “building a clearer picture of the behaviours and practices affecting people across the sector.” CIISA plans to follow the hotline launch with an independent reporting service in 2026-27, along with an “early intervention function” the following year to identify and address emerging issues.
This initiative aims to compile complaints about bullying and harassment against specific individuals working on various projects, enabling early intervention. The establishment of CIISA stemmed from the Clarke scandal and the Time’s Up UK movement in the summer of 2021, during which the Doctor Who star faced accusations from over 20 women, allegations he has consistently denied.
The landscape has seen other prominent cases, including those involving Gregg Wallace and Russell Brand, both of whom have also denied the allegations against them.
Securing funding has posed challenges for CIISA. Although supported by notable figures like Keira Knightley and Naomie Harris, the rollout of its reporting service has been delayed. CIISA has actively sought annual donations from major broadcasters and streaming platforms, with organizations such as the BBC, ITV, Sky, and Warner Bros. Discovery committing to contribute. Conversely, entities like Channel 4, Disney, and Amazon had not pledged as of last summer, while Netflix opted not to comment.
The ability to report under NDA terms presents a significant opportunity for CIISA, especially as victims of high-profile abuse cases like Harvey Weinstein have cited NDAs that gagged their voices. Recent UK legislation has prohibited the use of NDAs by employers to silence employees subjected to harassment and abuse.
Jen Smith, CIISA’s director, expressed pride in unveiling the strategic vision for the next three years. “This feels particularly significant in a moment of real momentum as CIISA is recognised as an independent whistleblowing body for film, TV, music, and theatre. Registering with CIISA enables organisations to visibly commit to preventing harmful behaviours in our sector; together we will drive real change that will benefit all those who contribute to the UK’s extraordinary creative landscape,” she stated.
