Introducing timeTo

In collaboration with NABS and WACL we are thrilled to be launching a new initiative – timeTo – to address the problem of sexual harassment in the advertising and marketing industry.

Building on the global #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, timeTo recognises that all parts of the advertising industry are affected – all sexualities and genders, agencies, marketers and media-owners – and that, by taking action together, the industry will be better placed to make positive change to stamp out sexual harassment.

Other industry bodies and companies will be invited to join timeTo; ISBA and the IPA have already pledged their vital support.

The ambition for timeTo is that, from this day forward, everyone will work in every way they can towards the complete eradication of sexual harassment from our industry. timeTo is a forward-looking, positive initiative, working to change the future, but NABS will be there to support any individual who needs advice and help about any historical or current harassment.

The first timeTo action is to conduct an industry-wide study, led by our very own Karen Fraser MBE. The study aims to establish the current level of sexual harassment across the industry and to provide data for future tracking of change.

Participating organisations will invite people to respond through email links, thus ensuring that the sample represents people currently working in the industry. It is designed for the broadest participation, not just from people who have been victims of sexual harassment or witnessed it, crucial though their involvement is. The study aims to gain some general insight into the industry’s views on and experiences of this issue. It goes live today.

Within its first six months, and after due consideration of the findings of the study, timeTo will produce a best-practice Code of Behaviour for all companies to implement as a minimum. While some companies are reportedly well advanced in tacking sexual harassment, many others have yet to address the problem explicitly in their company policies and processes.

For the full press release or more information contact Matt Bourn, Director of Communications on matt.bourn@adassoc.org.uk.