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Government could force media industry to improve safeguards after Walliams allegations
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is prepared to make participation in the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) compulsory if entertainment and media leaders do not quickly improve safeguarding. The proposal follows recent allegations of sexual misconduct against David Walliams, which he denies, and has renewed scrutiny of how the creative industries protect people who raise concerns.
At a meeting next week, Nandy is expected to urge leaders in broadcasting, publishing, film and entertainment to take responsibility, while warning that the government could intervene if their response falls short. CIISA membership is currently voluntary; campaigner Zelda Perkins says it should be mandatory. Ministers have also called for tighter limits on non-disclosure agreements, with Bridget Phillipson saying legislation could go further to prevent women being silenced.
In short
- Nandy may make creative industry safeguards compulsory.
- CIISA membership is currently voluntary.
- Ministers are also considering tighter NDA restrictions.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
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The case for
Making CIISA membership compulsory could establish consistent safeguarding standards across an industry where voluntary schemes may leave gaps, and give people clearer routes to raise concerns. Supporters may also argue that limits on non-disclosure agreements are needed to prevent serious misconduct from being concealed and to ensure workers can speak up safely.
The case against
Industry leaders may argue that a voluntary, sector-led system can respond more flexibly to different workplaces and build trust more effectively than a government-imposed scheme. They may also caution that broad restrictions on non-disclosure agreements or rushed regulation could create legal uncertainty, so reforms should be carefully defined and developed with those affected.
Explained simply
Safeguarding in the creative industries covers how employers and organisations prevent and respond to sexual misconduct and other harmful behaviour. People who raise concerns may work on temporary contracts or depend on powerful figures for future opportunities, which can make it difficult to speak up.
The Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority, or CIISA, is an organisation intended to set standards and handle concerns across areas such as broadcasting, film, publishing and entertainment. Joining it is currently voluntary. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is responsible for government policy on culture, while campaigner Zelda Perkins has called for compulsory membership.
Non-disclosure agreements are legal contracts that can restrict what people are allowed to discuss. Ministers have raised concerns that they can be used to prevent women from speaking about misconduct. The debate matters because any changes could affect how concerns are reported and what responsibilities organisations have to protect people.
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