THE BBC has been told it needs to take faster action when staff step out of line after a key report found some employees in position of power are able to behave “unacceptably” without consequence.
A review into the BBC’s workplace culture – led by Change Associates – found there was not a “toxic culture” at the corporation, but has highlighted some staff “often in positions of power” who behave “unacceptably” and “whose behaviour is not addressed”.
The report highlighted these staff work on and off-air in different roles and departments and their “behaviour creates large ripples which negatively impact the BBC’s culture and external reputation”.
It added that while the BBC states it has zero tolerance for unacceptable behaviour, the “words do not align with the actual experience” of some people working with or for the corporation.
BBC Chair Dr Shah has admitted there are places where powerful individuals “can abuse that power” and make life for their colleagues “unbearable”.
The report was sparked by the Huw Edwards scandal after the former presenter was found to have accessed indecent images of children as young as seven. He was handed six months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years
The report said: “We […] heard about a minority of people who behave unacceptably and whose behaviour is not addressed and impacts employees and freelancers.
“These people work in both on and off-air roles, dotted across the organisation in different functions and departments.
“They are often in positions where power could be abused. Even though they are small in number, their behaviour creates large ripples which negatively impact the BBC’s culture and external reputation.
“For years, the BBC, like many other organisations has shown earnest endeavour, good intention, but inconsistent execution when it comes to dealing with poor performance and bad behaviour.
“It documents the standards it expects from freelancers and production companies but has variable oversight of issues until they escalate. It states it has zero tolerance for unacceptable behaviour, but the words do not align with the actual experience of some people working with or for the corporation.”
It also said the broadcaster needs to create an environment where it is safe to “call it out” and share data which tracks and monitors culture.
The review heard from around 2500 employees and freelancers, through one-to-one meetings, group discussions, a survey and written submissions.
It covered all parts of the organisation with representations from across the UK and 19 different countries around the world.
Dr Shah told staff today: “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.
“The report makes several recommendations that prioritise action over procedural change – which is exactly right. It also addresses some deep-seated issues: for example, the need to make sure everyone can feel confident and not cowed about speaking up.
“I support the idea that we need to reinforce the behavioural expectations and standards we have for everyone who works with or for the BBC.”
He added: “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 has said it is taking action by launching a “refreshed and strengthened” code of conduct, with specific guidance for on-air presenters, while implementing a “more robust” disciplinary policy.
It will also roll out a new Call It Out campaign to promote positive behaviour and challenge poor conduct.
The NUJ has said the BBC has on "too many occasions" turned a "blind eye" to inappropriate behaviour and this "must not be allowed to continue".
Paul Siegert, NUJ national broadcasting organiser, said: "It’s vitally important that the country’s largest public service broadcaster is a safe place to work and people can not only thrive and be creative, but feel able to call out bad behaviour, whether it be bullying, sexual harassment or an abuse of power. Previously, on too many occasions, senior managers have turned a blind eye to inappropriate behaviour.
"The six recommendations drawn up by Change Associates are just a start. We of course welcome the call to reset BBC values. But too often in the past, power imbalances have affected decision making and that must not be allowed to continue.
"Everyone, regardless of their role, must be treated the same and must be made to feel that they can report bad behaviour when they see or hear it. We welcome the BBC’s commitment to hold everyone to account and we will do all we can to hold the BBC to account."
Director-General Tim Davie said: “This report represents an important moment for the BBC and the wider industry. It provides clear, practical recommendations that we are committed to implementing at pace. I’m grateful to everyone who took part and contributed.
“The action we are taking today is designed to change the experience of what it is to be at the BBC for everyone and to ensure the values we all sign up to when we arrive here – the values that, for most of us, are what made us want to come to the BBC in the first place – are lived and championed by the whole organisation each and every day.”
