BBC review finds ‘no toxic culture’ but ‘minority who behave unacceptably’

The BBC does not have a “toxic culture” but there is a “minority of people who behave unacceptably and whose behaviour is not addressed”, an independent review into culture at the corporation said.

The review, from Change Associates and led by management consultant Grahame Russell, was launched in the wake of the furore over disgraced former newsreader Huw Edwards.

The report said: “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.”

Edwards faced allegations that he paid a young person for sexually explicit images in 2023 and there was further scandal in 2024 when he was handed a suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty to three charges of “making” indecent photographs of children.

The report said the BBC needs to set “clear expectations around behaviours” as it should be the “gold standard for the industry”.

“Some of those who exhibit unacceptable behaviour continue to thrive, and in some cases are promoted, whilst live investigations are ongoing, or grievances against them are upheld,” it said.

The corporation was informed that Edwards had been arrested in November 2023 but continued to employ the veteran broadcaster until April 2024, when he resigned on medical advice.

A statement from the corporation last year said if Edwards had “been up front when asked by the BBC about his arrest, we would never have continued to pay him public money” and added he had “undermined trust in the BBC and brought us into disrepute”.

The review was announced in 2024 after several controversies involving high-profile presenters rocked the corporation, including the sacking of Jermaine Jenas from The One Show after he admitted to sending inappropriate messages to female colleagues.

“Most people who are on-air/on-screen are seen as good to work with and respectful,” the report said, but added: “As expected, we also heard of examples of well-known names not being held to account for poor behaviour.”

Further to the recommendations, the BBC has launched a refreshed code of conduct, with specific guidance for on-air presenters, and started the rollout of a new Call It Out campaign, where staff can challenge poor conduct.

The BBC will also launch a resolving concerns helpline, introduce in-person inductions for all new joiners and conduct regular, targeted culture checks.

BBC chairman Samir Shah said his first year in the position at the corporation had shown him a “different side” and one he “wasn’t expecting”, as he addressed a staff event at London’s Broadcasting House as the review into workplace culture was published.

He said: “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 – and that 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.”

The report said there was evidence that both Jewish and Muslim staff members and freelancers are in fear “of speaking up, raising issues and being themselves at work”.

“Given the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, this has been exacerbated, as they feel concerns have not been heard or acted on,” it said.

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.”

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the Government considers it “a moral imperative” that the BBC implement a plan of action “without delay”.

“There is no place for abuse or harassment in any workplace, and BBC staff alongside the public rightly expect the very highest standards from their national broadcaster,” she said.

Philippa Childs, the head of broadcasting union Bectu, said she welcomed the BBC Board’s acceptance of the recommendations and said that “repeated and historical scandals involving senior talent at the BBC exposed an organisation in need of a full rethink of its culture”.

She added that Bectu’s research from May last year showed that “high-profile cases have done little to shift the dial on the industry’s bullying and harassment problem”.

The review heard from around 2,500 employees and freelancers, with representations from across the UK and 19 different countries around the world.