Pledge to tackle bullying welcomed

The Equity performing arts practitioners’ union has welcomed a statement of commitment that brings together a group of 21 major TV organisations — including the BBC, Sky, Channel 4 and Warner Bros — and pledges to tackle workplace bullying, harassment and inappropriate behaviour.

The commitment follows a “ground-breaking” first meeting of representatives from these organisations, called by Equity.

The group is committed to creating a working environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, bullying and harassment is not tolerated and any issues raised are swiftly responded to and acted on.

It discussed and agreed areas including safe casting and audition spaces; clear respect at work policies that incorporate a process for making and addressing concerns and complaints of bullying and harassment; anti-bullying and harassment training; having a safeguarding contact; and written and advance notification of nudity and simulated sex acts.

Equity made clear that the commitment does not signal the end of work to tackle bullying, harassment and inappropriate behaviour, but rather “work to be done”. An inclusive and respectful culture requires “action not just words”, said Equity president Lynda Rooke.

She added: “I encourage all those working in this sector to recognise their individual responsibility to report inappropriate behaviour and unite against any pressure to remain silent on these issues.”