CIISA, the independent body set up to police bullying and harassment complaints in UK TV and film, will officially go live next year.

The announcement is a long-anticipated one, especially in light of recent scandals such as the allegations against Russell Brand.

The Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA), which is backed financially by all UK broadcasters, will offically start taking complaints next year, with more details to come on its inner workings.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy a creative career, while feeling safe and working in a professional environment,” said Frazer. “It’s important that industry comes together to tackle bullying, harassment and discrimination, so Britain’s creative sectors remain some of the best in the world to be a part of.”

The news was celebrated by those who have already championed CIISA, such as big stars including Ruth Wilson, Keira Knightley, Naomie Harris and Stephen Graham, along with Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, who most recently backed the body at the RTS Cambridge Convention last week.

Former BFI inclusion boss Jen Smith remains in post for the time being as interim CEO of CIISA. The body was first called for in 2021 by Time’s Up UK in the wake of the #MeToo movement and a wealth of bullying and harassment scandals.

Pressure has ramped up this year with high-profile scandals including those involving Phillip Schofield, Huw Edwards and most recently Brand, who denies all criminal wrongdoing and says all relationships were consensual. Deadline also revealed that TV chef James Martin had been rapped by ITV for repeated incidents of bullying behavior.

Smith said: “There is overwhelming evidence for the need for CIISA and bringing collective accountability to our sector, and the more quickly others join us, the more quickly we will have an independent body in place to support the whole ecosystem of the creative industries.”