Theatre industry backs new regulatory body for creative sector

A new organisation being formed to prevent and tackle bullying and harassment across the creative industries has received support from the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre.

The Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) will work to uphold and improve standards of behaviour across the creative industries by providing services, insight, research, policy, influence and advocacy.

CIISA’s work providing services is expected to include mediation, investigation, early dispute resolution and immediate advice, while its work on influence and advocacy is likely to include lobbying for a legal definition of bullying, preventing misuse of NDAs, advocating for better advice and protections for freelancers, and promoting inclusivity.

SOLT and UK Theatres backing for CIISA follows support from the film and TV sectors, with music expected to follow suit in the coming months.

Co-Chief Executives of the two theatre trade associations, Claire Walker and Hannah Essex, said the “theatre sector welcomes this opportunity to show its commitment to tackling bullying and harassment once and for all. 

“We look forward to working with our members to support the development of this much-needed organisation in the coming months.”

CIISA Interim Chief Executive Jennifer Smith added: “The purpose of CIISA is prevention from harm and to ensure there are consistently safe workplaces for our talented workforce to thrive in. 

“We are delighted to be working very closely with the theatre sector’s leading performing arts trade bodies alongside the film and TV industries and thank them for their commitment and support for CIISA as we continue to develop our proposals over the coming months.”