In the wake of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements and the ‘Top 5 email scandal‘, the IPA has today published its new Code of Best Practice on Dignity at Work.
Acknowledging that many agencies already adopt policies to tackle harassment, bullying and equal opportunities, the code aims to help ensure all members adopt the highest possible level of best practice. It also emphasises what actions each agency could take to prevent or identify and then eradicate inappropriate behaviour such as sexual banter or objectification of men and women.
“I felt it was important that the IPA, through its Council, provided additional guidance around what is appropriate behaviour in the workplace,” said Sarah Golding, IPA President and CEO of The&Partnership (pictured).
“I am very happy we are now in a position to publish our Code of Conduct for Dignity at Work, to help our members understand what is, and what is not acceptable.”
The&Partnership, embarrassingly, was at the centre of the Top 5 email scandal – in which a departing male executive ranked female colleagues via “Top 5” and “Bottom 5” lists based on their physical attractiveness. It was deemed a common practice in UK agencies.
The IPA’s new code was drawn up following an agreement at the IPA’s recent council meeting comprising leaders from 47 agencies across the UK, headed up by Golding.
Kathryn Jacob OBE, CEO of Pearl & Dean – who also sits on the board of Women’s Aid, the Development Board at RADA, and the Council and board of the Advertising Association – told Mediatel the code was to be welcomed.
“It is a thoughtful response to a serious issue that has affected so many individuals and workplaces both within and outside of the advertising and creative industries.
“In making it clear that the IPA is committed to ensuring that every single person who works in advertising should adhere to and expect these standards, it is clarifying how the workplace should function.”
Jacob added that with more women than ever before in the workforce, but as yet not represented well enough at board level, there is a chance now to address “entrenched values”.
“While it is evident that we still have a long way to go in ensuring workplaces are spaces of true equality, the IPA is clearly making a positive step in the right direction with this code,” she said.
The code is available on the IPA website.
