BBC Says It Will Take ‘Immediate Action’ After Review Finds ‘Small Number’ of Staff Behave ‘Unacceptably’ – Guido Fawkes

BBC Says It Will Take ‘Immediate Action’ After Review Finds ‘Small Number’ of Staff Behave ‘Unacceptably’

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A review into workplace culture within the BBC, led by management consultant Grahame Russell, following the Huw Edwards scandal was published in full at midday. It found the BBC does not have a “toxic” workplace culture and that “the majority of people who work for the BBC are proud to do so and describe loving their job”. Though it has said that the BBC must take “quicker action” when staff step out of line…

After hearing from around 2,500 employees and freelancers, the review found that “a small number of individuals are said to behave unacceptably, and their behaviour has not always been addressed.”  It gives some handy recommendations:

• Establish a clear and shared understanding of what is expected from everyone working with or for the BBC.
• Promote a ‘Call It Out’ culture.
• Invest in leadership and HR capability.
• Enhance succession planning.
• Establish a Respond Team.

BBC 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 BBC has now said they will take ‘immediate’ action including:

• Launching a refreshed and strengthened Code of Conduct, with specific guidance for on-air presenters.
• Implementing a more robust Disciplinary Policy, with updated examples of misconduct and clear consequences.
• Requiring all TV production partners to meet Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) industry standards.
• Rolling out a new ‘Call It Out’ campaign to promote positive behaviour, empower informal resolution where appropriate, and challenge poor conduct.
• Introducing clear Pledges for anyone raising concerns, setting out what they can expect from the BBC.

The BBC also said it will “expand HR support with additional resources and capacity” in the coming months. The £582,000 splashed on just three HR directors not going far enough then…

Read the review in full below: