A BBC review has found no evidence of a “toxic culture” but a “minority of people whose behavior is simply not acceptable,” the U.K. public broadcaster said on Monday. It vowed to “take immediate action to improve workplace culture” after publishing the comprehensive independent report that its board had commissioned amid allegations of bullying.
The review and report from Change Associates, led by executive chairman and founder Grahame Russell, “found no evidence of a toxic culture, but in a series of detailed findings and recommendations, it highlighted key areas for improvement,” the broadcaster said.
The report also found that “the majority of people who work for the BBC are proud to do so and describe loving their jobs,” it said. “Some staff, however, thought there [was] a minority of people at the BBC – both on and off-air – who were able to behave unacceptably without it being addressed.”
Concluded the report: “Even though they are small in number, their behavior creates large ripples which negatively impact the BBC’s culture and external reputation.”
The BBC board and management have fully accepted the report and its findings, with both calling it “a catalyst for meaningful change.”
“There is a minority of people whose behavior 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,” said BBC chair Samir Shah. “The report makes several recommendations that prioritize 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.”
He concluded: “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.”
BBC director-general Tim Davie said that the 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.”
He added: “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 organization each and every day.”
The BBC said its immediate actions include 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 behavior, empower informal resolution where appropriate, and challenge poor conduct;” and introducing clear pledges for anyone raising concerns and setting out what they can expect from the BBC.
The review also came up with other recommendations, including investment in leadership and HR capabilities, such as defining the leadership skills the BBC values most and ensuring they are being embedded at all levels; enhancing succession planning to “create more transparent and inclusive processes for identifying and preparing all talent, particularly in on-air roles;” and establishing a dedicated and independent Response Team “to rebuild trust and confidence in how issues are raised, addressed and anonymously reported. ”
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