The CIISA Standards set out minimum expected behaviours within the creative sector to ensure respectful and secure workplaces. They aim to provide a unified framework for professional conduct, applicable to organisations, productions, and projects of all sizes. 

CIISA's goal is to improve behavioural standards within the creative industries and prevent all forms of bullying, harassment, and discrimination. Starting with film, TV, theatre, and music, CIISA intends to expand its support to other creative sectors. 

The CIISA Standards focus on four key areas: 

Safe Working Environments: Emphasising the importance of a professional environment free from psychological, sexual, and physical harm. Everyone should understand what constitutes a safe working environment and act accordingly. 

Inclusive Working Environments: Promoting fairness and equal treatment for everyone, preventing discrimination and ensuring accessibility. 

Open and Accountable Reporting Mechanisms: Ensuring individuals feel confident in raising concerns, knowing they will be taken seriously and addressed fairly. 

Responsive Learning Culture: Encouraging a culture of continuous improvement where concerns are seen as opportunities to learn and improve. 

The CIISA Standards apply to everyone working in the creative industries. This includes employees, freelancers, contractors, board members, interns, apprentices, and volunteers. The standards also consider the impact on donors, sponsors, students, and the public. 

Individuals can use the Standards to understand acceptable behaviour, recognise harmful conduct, and know what to expect from themselves and others. 

Organisations can use the Standards to assess and align their policies, ensuring they promote a culture of respect and inclusivity. 

CIISA will use the Standards to monitor the creative industries' progress, provide guidance and training, and offer an independent reporting mechanism. 

Bullying and harassment remain prevalent in parts of the creative industries, often due to power imbalances and job insecurity. The CIISA Standards offer a consistent benchmark for addressing these issues, especially for freelancers and self-employed individuals. 

By setting consistent standards, CIISA aims to create healthier working environments, supporting the growth and success of the UK's creative industries. These standards are a living document, subject to review to ensure they remain relevant and effective. 

CIISA believes the creative industries workforce should feel empowered, safe, and fairly treated. If a concern is raised about someone's behaviour, they will be treated fairly and appropriately, with due process. 

However, following the Standards is not compulsory, and CIISA has no mechanisms to enforce their Standards. In time they may take ‘name and shame’ action or support people to take action themselves. They will not intervene in cases where someone already has access to an HR process that can investigate concerns. 

CIISA plans to provide tailored guidance, training, and accreditation to support the implementation of these standards. They will also offer an independent reporting mechanism and capture insights to track progress across the industry.