TIME’S UP UK is a charity that insists on safe, fair and dignified work for everyone.

25 November, 2021

In the Media

Essential listening: The Sexual Violence Research Podcast from the SVRI

The Sexual Violence Research Initiative has recently launched a new 12-part podcast series - candid conversations with grantees, researchers and its members about the work they are doing to free the world of violence against women and violence against children

Each episode of The Sexual Violence Research Podcast is co-hosted by SVRI Executive Director Elizabeth Dartnall and SVRI Grants Manager and Capacity Strengthening Specialist, Angelica Pino, and will focus on a different theme, from engaging men, to faith and spirituality, starting young to end GBV, and more.

“At The SVRI we are dedicated to promoting research on violence against women and violence against children and to generating empirical data that ensures these manifestations of violence are recognised as human rights violations and as a priority public health problem,” says Elizabeth Dartnall, Executive Director, SVRI. "We do this by building an experienced and committed network of researchers, policy makers, activists and donors to ensure that the many aspects of gender-based violence are addressed from the perspective of different disciplines and cultures. By providing new and different ways to engage with new knowledge emanating from our grantee partners we are working to ensure research is used to inform policy and practice. We embrace myriad ways to communicate this work and these voices and so to be able to offer a new platform for them to delve into the issues they are grappling with day in day out is extremely welcome, and so we are delighted to be able to share these treasured conversations with the world."

12 November, 2021

In the Media

The Russian Film Festival opens today, Friday 12th November 2021 and will run until Friday 10th December

The Russian Film Festival opens today, the first time in the UK, running until December 10, 2021, on BFI Player. The festival comprises ten films, celebrating contemporary Russian cinema.

Of the ten films, four are by both established and exceptional emerging Russian women. The selection includes the multi-award-winning director Oksana Karas as well as Anastasiya Palchikova and her film Masha - which serves as the jewel of the festival. Ten contemporary Russian films across various genres have been selected specifically for British audiences, bringing contemporary Russian cinema to the UK and will be available online.

The Russian Film Festival is a project organized by ROSKINO with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation.

30 September, 2021

In the Media

OVER 40% OF WOMEN EXPERIENCE SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN THEIR WORKING LIVES

Fawcett Society supports employers to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace

A new report from leading gender equality organisations led by the Fawcett Society, shines a light on sexual harassment in UK workplaces and equips employers to understand and tackle the root causes of this form of abuse. Despite the fact that sexual harassment in the workplace has been unlawful for decades, it’s clear that too many women experience it at work and more must be done to protect them. We know that harassment has not stopped due to the pandemic – it has simply moved online and into workers’ homes.

The report produced by the Fawcett Society in partnership with Chwarae Teg, Women’s Resource and Development Agency, Close the Gap and supported by TIME’S UP UK and Rosa shows that:

• At least 40% of women experience sexual harassment during the course of their career
• 45% of women in a recent survey reported experiencing harassment online through sexual messages, cyber harassment and sexual calls.
• Almost a quarter of women who had been sexually harassed said the harassment had increased or escalated since the start of the pandemic while they were working from home
• Almost seven in ten (68%) disabled women reported being sexually harassed at work, compared to 52% of women in general
• Ethnic minority workers (women and men) reported higher rates (32%) of sexual harassment than white workers (28%) over the last 12 months
• A poll of LGBT workers found that 68% had experienced some form of harassment in the workplace

21 September, 2021

In the Media

INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVES ON ANTI-RACISM PUBLISHED BY THE FILM AND TV CHARITY

The Film and TV Charity has published two documents exploring anti-racism in the film and TV industry.

‘Think Piece on Anti-Racism in the Film and TV Industry’ reports on experiences of racism in the industry and has been written by Sasha Salmon, a senior public policy advisor with expertise in anti-racism and equality. Her work followed an internal review of the charity’s own approach to anti-racism and led to her also commissioning Dr Clive Nwonka and Professor Sarita Malik to write the second piece, ‘Racial Diversity Initiatives in UK Film and TV’ to survey and analyse the major racial diversity initiatives seen in the industry over the last two decades.

Talking about the rationale behind her own piece, Salmon commented: “Racism is deeply entrenched in society and hard to escape. It should be widely accepted that all of us will have racial and social biases and, rather than claim defensively to ‘not be racist’, everyone should be working to honestly understand and dismantle racist structures and behaviours. We should all be seeking to be actively anti-racist. In completing this review, it was clear to me while many in film and TV speak about diversity, few people and leaders have really recognised and internalised what racism looks like in the industry for individuals, and the way that structures enable this. Understanding this and being honest about complicity is a vital step to inform anti racist action. The relationship-based structure of the UK film and TV industry described throughout the review makes it particularly ripe for racism and bias. Given the influence film and TV has on society at large, this has damaging effects. If this industry gets it right, there is a precious opportunity to illuminate and change perceptions around race and help dismantle racism.”

09 June, 2021

In the Media

Time’s Up UK Calls For Sexual Misconduct Complaints Body; Wants Intimacy Coordinators To Be Mandatory

Time’s Up UK has called on the British film and TV industry to establish an independent authority for dealing with sexual misconduct allegations following a growing #MeToo movement in the television business.

The charity, established in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal, has also called on intimacy coordinators to become mandatory on UK shoots. It comes after I May Destroy You creator Michaela Coel highlighted their work while accepting her BAFTA TV Award for best actress on Sunday.

Time’s Up UK chair Dame Heather Rabbatts teased the proposals in an interview with Deadline last week, in which she said there must be better standards for dealing with historical sexual misconduct complaints following the claims made by 20 women against Noel Clarke.

28 April, 2021

In the Media

Bernardine Evaristo talks to Colin Grant about WritersMosaic – an essential and urgent new platform for new writing from underrepresented voices in the UK literary landscape

The Booker Prize winning author Bernardine Evaristo talks to Colin Grant about the changes to British publishing and culture following the Black Lives Matter protests, and how an initiative such as WritersMosaic is both timely and vital.

This interview marks the launch of new platform from The Royal Literary Fund called WritersMosaic dedicated to commissioning original writing from literary voices and cultures currently under represented in the UK mainstream. Over 100 writers both new and established, have already been commissioned across a range of genres including Derek Owusu, Salena Godden, Shamshad Khan, Zena Edwards, Jeffrey Boakye, Paul Mendez, Vaseem Khan, Alex Wheatle, Kiran Millwood-Hargrave, Patricia Cumper, Roger Robinson, Niven Govinden, Meena Kandasamy, Johny Pitts and many more.

02 April, 2021

In the Media

Time’s Up UK to publish guidelines on reporting sexual misconduct

New guidelines on how to report sexual misconduct are set to be published by the Time's Up UK movement, which launched three years ago following allegations made against Harvey Weinstein.

09 March, 2021

In the Media

TIME’S UP UK WELCOMES & CELEBRATES THE DIVERSE BAFTA 2021 FILM NOMINATIONS

Tuesday 9th March 2021, UK: TIME’S UP UK welcomes and celebrates BAFTAs film nominations released today.

Having done an extensive review of their voting processes, the range of films on the BAFTA nomination list is a testament to how effective that review has been, with their members now watching the true wealth of films being created in the UK and globally.

Dame Heather Rabbatts, TIME’S UP UK says; “We are particularly pleased to see that four out of the six directors nominated in the Director category are women, and that of those, one is also nominated for Film Not in the English Language, reflecting the diversity within these women. TIME’S UP UK also particularly notes the range of diverse talent and people of colour right across the BAFTA categories”.

Globally TIME’S UP has recently challenged the Hollywood Foreign Press Association to improve diversity in its membership and to bolster the credibility of the Golden Globes.

Dame Heather continues; “TIME’S UP campaigns for change across the industry and these BAFTA nominations demonstrate how change can be achieved in a relatively short time, by us all working together”.

13 May, 2020

In the Media

The Naked Truth: Inside Normal People’s Explicit Sex Scenes

Intimacy coordinator Ita O’Brien on how she coached Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal through the hit Hulu show’s most private moments.

08 May, 2020

In the Media

How Do Sex Scenes On Film Actually Work? Normal People’s Intimacy Co-ordinator Shares All

As the intimacy coordinator for Normal People and Sex Education, Ita O’Brien has transformed the way sex scenes are managed behind the scenes. From planning shoots around menstrual cycles to taking inspiration from animal-mating rituals in workshops, she reveals the secrets to her success.

07 May, 2020

In the Media

How Normal People, the Sexiest Show on TV, Gets the Details Right

The show's many sex scenes never feel gratuitous, despite how graphic (and frequent) they are. Ita O'Brien, the on-set intimacy coordinator, explains how they pulled it off.

17 April, 2020

In the Media

Rosa appoints Rebecca Gill as Executive Director

Rosa is delighted to announce the appointment of Rebecca Gill as its new Executive Director starting in late April 2020.

Rebecca has more than 20 years’ experience working in and around the women’s sector to improve the rights of women and girls in the UK. She will take over from Alex Delaney, who was appointed interim executive director in September 2019.

09 April, 2020

In the Media

COVID-19: EVAW Briefing urges Government to act now to prevent ‘secondary’ abuse disaster

A Coalition of leading women’s organisations published a new Briefing on 8th April setting out how the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to lead to increased levels of violence against women and girls in the UK, and what Government, business and members of the public should do to try and prevent this.

08 April, 2020

In the Media

Domestic Abuse and Coronavirus

It’s a really frightening time if you're experiencing domestic abuse, especially if you're isolated with your abuser.

The physical workplace can be a place of safety, but with social distancing measures in place that option may be gone, leaving women isolated from their support networks. Many are still in contact with their reps, co-workers, and employers – that means we can all play a role in ensuring they and their children stay safe.

Find out what you can do.

31 March, 2020

In the Media

Coronavirus: I’m in lockdown with my abuser

With much of the world on coronavirus lockdown, there are warnings that those living with domestic abuse could become hidden victims of the pandemic.

11 March, 2020

In the Media

Hailed a ‘Major Moment’ in Europe, But ‘International War’ Is Ongoing

Harvey Weinstein’s 23-year prison sentence has been met with hope in the U.K., where industry figures hope to see justice meted out for transatlantic victims of the disgraced movie mogul.

Wednesday’s outcome has been hailed a major victory that will set a groundbreaking precedent for future cases. Most importantly, the sentence proves that the “law can work,” according lawyer Jill Greenfield, who is representing six individuals in a group civil suit against Weinstein in the U.K.

12 March, 2020

In the Media

The Weinstein sentence shows what women can do when we speak up together

One of the most powerful men in the film industry has been sentenced to spend the next 23 years in prison.

The sentencing of Harvey Weinstein is, foremost, a moment for all the silence-breakers to hopefully achieve some peace in their lives after years of pain. It is also a time to think of the precedent this sentence could set. Not only in the justice system, but across our wider cultural landscape.

25 February, 2020

In the Media

Harvey Weinstein convicted: ‘Silence Breakers’ say producer ‘messed with the wrong women’

A group of Harvey Weinstein's accusers who call themselves 'Silence Breakers' have called his conviction for rape and sexual assault a "landmark moment" and a "triumph" for victims

23 February, 2020

In the Media

Time’s Up UK Chief & Swedish Film Institute CEO Discuss Equality: Progress Being Made But ’5050×2020′ Still Looks A Long Way Off – Berlin

50/50 by 2020? The international film biz still has a long way to go to reach gender parity, but there are reasons to be optimistic, agreed a panel held at the Berlin Film Festival today.

The stated goal of the 5050×2020 campaign – which was originally launched at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival by the Swedish Film Institute and subsequently joined by film institutes and festivals around the world – was to move towards gender parity by this year. Ultimately that may have never been realistic, as change in the film industry typically happens at a snail’s pace, but the fight continues, insisted Time’s Up UK chief Heather Rabbatts.

23 February, 2020

In the Media

Swedish Film Institute’s 50/50 Panel Explores Paths to Equality in the Entertainment Industry

Chair of Time’s Up U.K. Heather Rabbatts had fighting words about the imminent verdict from the New York Harvey Weinstein rape trial for a packed audience gathered to hear a panel on gender equality on the sidelines of the Berlin Film Festival.

“Whatever happens tomorrow, it is not the end of this issue. It isn’t about win or lose,” she said. “This is a movement that’s started; it’s not going to go back in the box.”

23 February, 2020

In the Media

Weinstein verdict “not the end” of equality movement, Berlin panel hears

Dame Heather Rabbatts, chair of Time’s Up UK, says the incoming verdict in Harvey Weinstein’s trial is “not the end” of the equality movement.

“It’s not about win or lose,” said Rabbatts. “This movement is not going back in the box.”

The verdict for Weinstein’s rape trial in New York is expected to come any day now after the jury deliberated for four days last week.

21 February, 2020

In the Media

‘Diversity is now centre stage’: Berlin film festival sets industry precedent

The Berlin film festival has achieved gender parity in some of its most senior positions a year after signing a pledge that commits film festivals to improve representation in relation to diversity.

The Berlin festival, which opened on Thursday, is one of the major events to sign up to 5050x2020, which requires organisations to release information about the gender and race of their directors, members of selection committees and executive boards, and to record similar data about the directors, casts and crews of submitted films.

12 February, 2020

In the Media

FILM SC♀RES – Celebrating Female Composers

A 2018 report from the Centre for the Study of Women in Television and Film revealed that 94 per cent of the top 250 films at the domestic box office used male composers. Of the top 100 fiction films at the box office every year from 2007 to 2017, only 16 female composers were hired, in comparison to 1,218 men.

Women are being largely unheard in the world of film composing so as part of Filmic20 join Watershed in Bristol throughout April as they present a season of films scored by some of cinema’s most outstanding female composers, leading the way at the forefront of their craft. Brilliant.

01 February, 2020

In the Media

No sex, please, we’re colleagues: the new rules of office romance

Jenny had been living in Hong Kong for a couple of weeks when she fell “head over heels” in love with Christine, the creative director of a small fashion company. But there was a problem: Christine already had a girlfriend. And another problem: Christine was interviewing Jenny for a job at the company at the time. “The first thing she did when she came in was to sit in her chair and say to me: ‘So you’re the English girl,’” Jenny recalls. “She was very direct – it wasn’t something I was used to. It felt strong.”

03 February, 2020

In the Media

We must do more to overcome racism in film, says Joaquin Phoenix

Joaquin Phoenix denounced the film industry last night as he called on it to “do the hard work to truly understand systemic racism”.

Phoenix, named best actor at the Baftas for his role in Joker, said that he felt “conflicted [winning the award] because so many of my fellow actors who are deserving don’t have that privilege”.

Referring to the all-white acting shortlists and reiterating the Duke of Cambridge’s call that the industry needed more diversity, Phoenix said: “We send a very clear message to people of colour that you are not welcome here, people who have contributed so much to our medium and industry which we benefit from.

“I am part of the problem,” he added. “I have not done everything in my power to ensure that all the sets I work on are inclusive.

“I think it is the obligation of the people who have created and perpetuate and benefit from a system of oppression to be the ones to dismantle it. So that is on us.” He made his comments after the chairwoman of Britain’s Time’s Up campaign said that Bafta was in the last chance saloon.

27 January, 2020

In the Media

UK Stars Compile “Alternative BAFTA List” In Time’s Up Campaign: Cynthia Erivo, Jodie Turner-Smith, Greta Gerwig Among Top Picks

UK acting and filmmaking talents have weighed in with their picks for an ‘alternative BAFTA list’ that highlights more diverse candidates.

The campaign, launched by the UK wing of Time’s Up, is designed to recognize the number of women and people of color who were overlooked in this year’s awards race.

27 January, 2020

In the Media

Bafta Film Awards: British stars suggest more diverse nominees

"The lack of diversity both at the Golden Globes and now at the Baftas has been the subject of criticism from across the media and from talent," said Dame Heather Rabbatts, chair of the UK branch of campaign group Time's Up.

"Time's Up wants to ensure we do not let these awards pass by without us raising the profile of those whose endeavours and performances have not made it to the nominations."

27 January, 2020

In the Media

Time’s Up campaign sees UK stars reveal ‘alternative Bafta’ nominees

British filmmakers and actors have named the women and people of colour they believe should have nominated for a Bafta in the wake of a recent diversity row.

26 January, 2020

In the Media

British stars unveil alternative Bafta list in film diversity row

Actors and directors speak out over awards omissions and highlight ‘invisible talent’ that deserves a place on the red carpet

15 January, 2020

In the Media

Sexual harassment in the workplace

All employers have a duty of care to protect their workers and will be legally liable for sexual harassment in the workplace if they have not taken reasonable steps to prevent it. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has launched new guidance offering a legal explanation and practical examples of how to tackle and respond effectively to harassment.

06 January, 2020

In the Media

Sexual harassment: Work ‘power imbalance’ tackled

A "power imbalance" between men and women in the workplace is to be tackled by four organisations.

06 January, 2020

In the Media

Four nation approach to tackling workplace sexual harassment

Women's organisations from across the four nations of the UK have come together to collaborate on a project which will tackle sexual harassment in the workplace, funded by Rosa and the Justice and Equality Fund Now’s the Time programme.

03 January, 2020

In the Media

What’s in store for the future of film?

As we begin a brand-new decade, Bazaar’s entertainment writer surveys the cinematic landscape

18 December, 2019

In the Media

As We Approach 2020, It’s Time To Assess The Achievements Of The #MeToo Movement

Heather Rabbatts, the Chair of Time’s Up UK, looks at what has been won and what is still left to do.

29 November, 2019

In the Media

The number of female directors employed in the global film industry is still abysmally low. But much is being done to fix this, and women are leading the way, writes Harriet Constable.

“Sometimes women can’t ask for control, so they have to take it. Ok? I want you to remember that,” says Alex Levy, a character on Apple TV’s star-studded new drama The Morning Show. Levy, played by Jennifer Aniston, is in the middle of a career crisis, while her co-host (played by Steve Carrell) has been kicked off the programme because of a sexual misconduct scandal. She hangs up a phone call in utter frustration and turns to her daughter to deliver the line that summarises the collective rage of women overlooked for generations.

25 November, 2019

In the Media

UN Women Executive Director’s Statement for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, 25 November 2019

End rape—an intolerable cost to society

21 November, 2019

In the Media

Directors UK launches guidelines for ‘Directing Nudity & Simulated Sex’

Screen directors association Directors UK has launched a set of guidelines for filming scenes with nudity or simulated sex, with support from industry groups including Bafta and the BFI.

18 November, 2019

In the Media

16 ways you can stand against rape culture

Boys will be boys.” “She was drunk.” “Women say “no” when they mean “yes.” Rape culture is pervasive. It’s embedded in the way we think, speak, and move in the world. While the contexts may differ, rape culture is always rooted in patriarchal beliefs, power, and control.

13 November, 2019

In the Media

Interview — Time’s Up new CEO says bosses waking up to risks of ‘toxic’ workplaces

'It's an age-old issue that's going to take us more than a few years to attack, but I do think we are in a moment where there is an awareness of the problem'

14 November, 2019

In the Media

Equal pay for equal work “still a distant dream for many women”

The Fawcett Society is today publishing research showing that the majority (60%) of women in workplaces across the UK either don’t know what their male colleagues earn, or believe they are earning less than men who are doing the same job. The report is being released to mark Equal Pay Day (14th November 2019) – the day in the year when women effectively start to work for free – and suggests that unlawful pay discrimination may be more widespread than previously feared.

14 October, 2019

In the Media

‘Glacial change’: film industry is slow to reform despite #MeToo

Progress towards equality in the entertainment industry has been patchy, say campaigners.

Two years ago, the entertainment industry became the primary focus of discussions over abuse, harassment and decades of ingrained sexism after allegations against Harvey Weinstein rocked Hollywood and kickstarted the wider #MeToo movement.

While a raft of initiatives have been introduced, including Time’s Up, a group that provides legal support to victims, and 50/50 x 2020, a gender parity pledge that all major film festivals have signed up to, industry experts said change has been glacial.

11 October, 2019

In the Media

Time’s Up announce major milestone in securing UK support for women directors

The BFI, Working Title Films, and Lionsgate UK, have today announced their commitment to pushing for greater representation of women directors as part of TIME’S UP’s #4PercentChallenge, so named because only 4% of the top 1,200 studio films made over the last decade were directed by women according to research undertaken by the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative.

11 October, 2019

In the Media

Working Title, BFI, Lionsgate UK join Time’s Up 4% challenge

08 October, 2019

In the Media

Tina Tchen, Ex-Obama Aide, Will Take Over Time’s Up

08 October, 2019

In the Media

Time’s Up names Tina Tchen President and CEO

TIME'S UP marks nearly two years since its genesis with a new leader, a new innovation center, and a bold, inclusive vision built to last.

04 October, 2019

In the Media

Chair of Time’s Up UK: ‘Two years is no time for #MeToo to have changed things’

03 October, 2019

In the Media

Keira Knightley and Time’s Up celebrate female-led London film festival

02 October, 2019

In the Media

Two years on, Hollywood reflects on #MeToo changes

02 October, 2019

In the Media

Every female filmmaker at the 63rd BFI London Film Festival

02 October, 2019

In the Media

EVAW & TIME’S UP UK join forces to respond to sexual harassment consultation

02 September, 2019

In the Media

Cara Delevingne insists ‘it’s the beginning’ for Time’s Up movement as she graces front cover of Elle UK

12 September, 2019

In the Media

Hidden Histories: The Story of Women Film Editors

04 September, 2019

In the Media

‘Crazy Rich Asians’ Co-Writer Exits Sequel Amid Pay Disparity Dispute

13 September, 2019

In the Media

Ava DuVernay Launches Annual Curated Film Series for Women Directors and Emerging Artists

22 September, 2019

In the Media

Alex Borstein calls on women to ‘step out of line’ in moving Emmy speech

22 September, 2019

In the Media

The bisexuality dating dilemma

23 September, 2019

In the Media

One in five bisexual people report being sexually assaulted at work, TUC poll reveals

A news story put out on Bisexual Visibility Day on Monday 23rd September by the TUC revealed that bisexual people report high levels of unwanted touching and sexual assault.

05 August, 2019

In the Media

Emma Watson helps launch a legal advice line for women who are sexually harassed at work

05 August, 2019

In the Media

Emma Watson and TIME’S UP launch free hotline for women experiencing workplace harassment

05 August, 2019

In the Media

Emma Watson launches free sexual harassment advice line

05 August, 2019

In the Media

Emma Watson helps launch sexual harassment advice line for women

05 August, 2019

In the Media

Emma Watson launches workplace harassment legal advice line

04 August, 2019

In the Media

Will a harassment hotline change your workplace?

26 June, 2019

In the Media

Give employers duty to prevent harassment, campaign urges

27 June, 2019

In the Media

There’s no duty on UK employers to prevent sexual harassment. That has to change

27 June, 2019

In the Media

Companies should be liable if their employees are sexually harassed at work, says campaign group

05 January, 2019

In the Media

Emma Watson Shares Her Thoughts On A Year Of Time’s Up

06 January, 2019

In the Media

Emma Watson Reflects On Time’s Up Movement’s Impact A Year On From Its Launch

10 February, 2019

In the Media

Stylist Mary Fellowes On Why Olivia Colman’s BAFTAs Gown Is Rooted In Female Empowerment

27 February, 2019

In the Media

Dame Emma Thompson: I quit film to stand up for women against John Lasseter.

08 March, 2019

In the Media

Andrea Riseborough Calls on UK Film Industry to Commit to Time’s Up’s 4 Percent Challenge.

07 May, 2019

In the Media

Emma Thompson praised for John Lasseter decision

20 May, 2019

In the Media

New research shows film criticism gender bias.

20 May, 2019

In the Media

Cannes Says It’s Making Strides for Equality. Some Women See Backward Steps.

20 May, 2019

In the Media

New database launches to promote female film experts (exclusive)

17 May, 2019

In the Media

Time’s Up Pay Up Shirt Promotes National Equal Pay Day