Who is CIISA

CIISA (The Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority) is the industry-backed, independent standards authority for the UK’s creative sector.

Currently operating across music, film, television and theatre, we set clear and consistent expectations for behaviour through the CIISA Standards – and we support accountability where those standards are not met.

Our aim is to uphold and improve standards of behaviour across the creative industries and to prevent and tackle all forms of bullying and harassment, including discriminatory behaviour. CIISA offers support and resources for organisations to adopt and embed the CIISA Standards.

We will be launching a range of services over the next three years to support greater accountability in the creative sector, including an Independent Reporting Service, early interventions like mediation and arbitration, and investigations in the most serious and complex cases.

Read more in our strategy for 2026-29, Empowering Creativity by Protecting People.

“The UK’s creative industries are a remarkable national asset – driving growth, shaping our global reputation, and supporting millions of jobs across the UK. CIISA’s role is to help the creative sector effectively protect and support the people who are so vital to its success.”

Baroness Helena Kennedy KC LT, Chair of CIISA

The two short CIISA films have been made with thanks to Ridley Scott Associates. Editor Steph McAuley

Our commitment to anti-racism

CIISA will be an anti-racist organisation, consciously inclusive and representative at all levels, including its governance. CIISA will have an anti-discrimination committee as part of its governance model. CIISA will ensure that any investigation panels, mediation and advice services are intersectional and that all teams are trained and aware of the intersection of racism, bullying and harassment. CIISA will be a primary advocate of its strategic partner Black Lives in Music; who will also provide check and challenge accountability to CIISA and advocate for Black Lives in Music’s internationally recognised Anti-Racism Code to be widely adopted. On issues that relate to employment discrimination and systemic discrimination, CIISA will work closely with the EHRC.

What we will do

Find out more about our proposed services

  • Services: Mediation, early dispute resolution, immediate advice, support navigating the criminal justice system, investigations.
  • Data and insight: Share insight and trends from our data and cross-sector expertise.
  • Influence: Working with expert partners on issues such as advocating for preventing the of misuse of NDAs, better advice and protections for freelancers, promoting inclusivity such as wider adoption of the Anti-Racism Code, which is being developed by Black Lives in Music who are key partners of CIISA.
  • Support navigating the criminal justice system: In some cases, CIISA will recommend that further action is taken given the seriousness of the concerns brought forward. CIISA will give professional support to individuals who are taking their concerns to the police or through the criminal justice system.

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Contact Details

legals

The purpose of the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) is to uphold and improve standards of behaviour across the creative industries.

Registered address: 22 Wycombe End,  Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 1NB, United Kingdom

Access Statement

Whilst CIISA is not yet a live organisation, access is at the heart of who CIISA is. CIISA is committed to preventing bullying and harassment, including that of an ableist nature. If you require any information currently on the CIISA website in an alternative format, please email  info@ciisa.org.uk with your request and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

We are very happy to help and welcome queries from d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people wanting to learn more about CIISA.