The BBC has promised to take “immediate action” to improve its workplace culture after an independent review found no evidence of a toxic culture but made a series of recommendations for improvement.
The report from Change Associates followed the high-profile case of newsreader Huw Edwards, who was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, after he admitted charges of making indecent images of children.
Although the report found most people who work for the BBC are proud to do so and describe loving their jobs, some staff thought a minority of people at the BBC – both on and off-air – were able to behave unacceptably without it being addressed.
“Even though they are small in number, their behaviour creates large ripples which negatively impact the BBC’s culture and external reputation,” the report concluded.
BBC Chair Dr Samir Shah told staff: “There is a minority of people whose behaviour is simply not acceptable. And there are still places where powerful individuals – on and off screen – can abuse that power to make life for their colleagues unbearable.
“In the end, it’s quite simple: if you are a person who is prepared to abuse power or punch down or behave badly, there is no place for you at the BBC.”
The BBC Board has fully accepted the report and its findings, as has BBC management. Both view it as a catalyst for meaningful change – to reinforce expectations around behaviour and act more decisively when standards are not met.
Detailing its actions. The BBC said it would:
- Launch a refreshed and strengthened Code of Conduct, with specific guidance for on-air presenters.
- Implement a more robust Disciplinary Policy, with updated examples of misconduct and clear consequences.
- Require all TV production partners to meet Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) industry standards.
- Roll out a new ‘Call It Out’ campaign to promote positive behaviour, empower informal resolution where appropriate, and challenge poor conduct.
- Introduce a clear Pledges for anyone raising concerns, setting out what they can expect from the BBC.
