Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is scheduled to meet leaders from television, film, publishing, and sport next week to discuss reforms to whistleblowing and safeguarding procedures. Ministers want these sectors to act independently, but they are ready to mandate participation in oversight bodies if voluntary efforts fall short. One potential measure under consideration is requiring firms to join the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority, which offers confidential reporting for bullying and harassment. The broader discussion also targets the use of legal mechanisms like injunctions and non-disclosure agreements that powerful individuals use to suppress claims.
Key points
The government is prepared to pass statutory legislation if creative industries do not vo…: The government is prepared to pass statutory legislation if creative industries do not voluntarily overhaul their safeguarding protocols.
Officials are reviewing the justice system to stop powerful figures from misusing injunct…: Officials are reviewing the justice system to stop powerful figures from misusing injunctions and non-disclosure agreements to silence victims.
High-profile public figures and inquiries continue to highlight widespread institutional…: High-profile public figures and inquiries continue to highlight widespread institutional failures regarding the accountability of abusive workplace leaders.
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Ministers are considering changing the law to force the entertainment industry to better protect women and children in the wake of the revelations over David Walliams and the conviction of Russell Brand.
Lisa Nandy, the culture secretary, is expected to meet leaders from the industry next week, taking in representatives from not just TV but also film and publishing, as well as potentially sport.
While the hope is that the sectors will voluntarily strengthen protections, it is understood that the government could look at acting if ministers believe there is insufficient action on protections against abuse and harassment, and to encourage whistleblowing.
There have been widespread calls for action after the publication of an investigation by the Guardian and ITV News setting out accusations that Walliams, one of Britain’s best-known television personalities and a top-selling children’s author, used his power and status to prey on young women for sex.
Walliams, 55, denies any wrongdoing. The allegations were published after a court rejected an attempt by Walliams aimed at preventing publication.
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