Why does it take a public outcry to recognise workplace bullying?

Why are workers increasingly turning to the media to highlight cases of bullying? The Film and TV industry are not the only sector in which people are turning to the press to expose bullying behaviours. This is an issue that needs to be taken seriously by all sectors, all industries, all people. Accepted behaviours are not the same as acceptable behaviours.

The actions taken across the Film and TV industry in relation to the recent allegations about Noel Clarke show that they are willing to stand up and take action, matching their commitment to tackle bullying and harassment launched in March this year.

The new set of principles and zero-tolerance guidance were developed by the British Film Institute (BFI) in partnership with BAFTA and in consultation with organisations across the film, television and games industries in response to urgent and systemic issues. This is also being supported by the launch of bullying support services by The Film and TV Charity.

This show of strength will send a clear message to everyone in the industry that these behaviours are now being taken seriously. However, the fact that the 20 women involved in making allegations did not want to reveal their names to BAFTA shows how much work needs to be done to change enthrenched behaviours across the industry. It won't be quick, but it is urgently needed so that everyone feels safe at work and able to speak up.

One of the key factors now is that everyone is receiving the support that they need. Bullying and harassment can lead to mental health problems and trauma if early interventions are not in place, not just for the people who have made allegations, but also for those who are having to deal with the fallout.

It may be a less populer view, but whatever you may think of the actions that are being described, Clarke also needs support, especially given the publicity and scale of response. These cases are usually dealt with confidentially. Clarke said in his most recent statement that he would be "seeking professional help to educate myself and change for the better.”

Everyone should be given an opportunity to change.

What stopped anyone form speaking up earlier? What stopped people from challenging this behaviour? What stopped businesses being held accountable? The problem is that we know the answers to these questions. Fear. Fear of being seen to be "difficult". Fear of not being hired again. Fear of not being able to do the job we love if we speak up. The new question is, what action are we going to take to break these patterns of behaviour?

Every organisation should be reviewing their behaviours, not just once, but continuously, relentlessly.

It's time for change. #Conduct Change.

Do you need support in this area?

Conduct Change was founded in 2019 with the purpose of changing behaviour in workplaces to create more courageous and compassionate approaches to prevent workplace bullying. The founder, Nicki Eyre, has been through her own workplace bullying experience during her career and recognises the scale of the problem at both an organisational and individual level. She is also a member of the Bullying and Colllective Accountability Working Group for the @The Film and TV Charity.

The Conduct Change Charter is a programme of behavioural change that is rooted in the prevention of workplace bullying. The Charter embeds agreed behaviours and culture across all parts of the organisation and, most importantly, ensures that these are regularly measured, reviewed and acted on, creating dynamic conduct change.

We’ve used our epertisein this area to create the 3Rs Model of Dynamic Conduct Change with a flexible toolkit of interventions to support businesses of all sizes through programmes of behavioural and cultural change.

We are currently seeking organisations to join a pilot 12-month programme to help them develop behavioural standards, frameworks and interventions that support healthy, productive relationships between individuals and organisations.

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Photo from Guardian article: https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2021/apr/30/noel-clarke-shows-dropped-as-allegations-shake-tv-industry?utm_term=7533f03016079a3cd3e662fce7416db6&utm_campaign=GuardianTodayUK&utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&CMP=GTUK_email