Creative UK has launched a new, free-to-use learning module, It’s NOT OK, to help give the creative industries the necessary tools to tackle bullying and harassment.
 

Chaired by Caroline Norbury, OBE, CEO of Creative UK, roundtable members have come together to develop responses across three distinct areas, 1) prevent, 2) protect and 3) monitor bullying and harassment across the industry. 

• Under prevent, the industry has developed codes of conduct and the new e-learning module 

• Under protect, the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) is under development and will lead the industry’s response to addressing incidents of bullying and harassment

• Under monitor, Creative UK is seeking to bring together existing sub-sector data to establish a baseline that paints a picture of the levels of BHD behaviour in the industry with a view to understanding what interventions are working to shift behaviour and cement culture and behaviour change

The most recent roundtable was attended by Lucy Frazer Secretary of State for the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and Sir John Whittingdale, Minister for Creative Industries.

Frazer said: “I’ve heard first hand this week about the serious impact bullying and harassment can have. It is never acceptable and the creative industries must leave no stone unturned in making sure that people feel they can contribute their skills in a safe and supportive environment. Giving them the tools and training to call out inappropriate behaviour is an important step forward in achieving that.” 

Head of Bectu Philippa Childs added: “Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected at work and it’s critical that people feel confident in raising concerns in the workplace.

“Bullying and harassment remains a serious and endemic problem in the creative industries. Industry collaboration is critical to tackling this issue, and we hope this new module will create further awareness, as well as equip creative workers with practical tools and resources for seeking help.

“Alongside other industry initiatives like the development of CIISA, this is an important step forward in ensuring the creative industries foster a culture where everyone can feel confident, empowered and respected at work.” 

Black and white image via Sander Van Der Wel and Creative Commons.