The BBC comments found no evidence of a "toxic culture" but rather "a person whose behavior is simply unacceptable," the BBC said on Monday. After publishing a comprehensive independent report on the board’s commissioned allegations of bullying, it vowed to “take immediate action to improve workplace culture.”
The Broadcasting Corporation said the review and report of the Change Society, led by executive chairman and founder Graham Russell, “has no evidence of a toxic culture found, but in a series of detailed findings and suggestions, it highlights key areas of improvement,” the Broadcasting Corporation said.
The report also found that “most people who work for the BBC are proud of it and describe loving their jobs.” “However, some employees believe that there are minority behaviors on the BBC and in the air, and they are able to act unacceptably and not resolved.”
"Even small numbers, their behavior can create huge ripples, which negatively affects the BBC's culture and external reputation," concluded.
The BBC board and management have fully embraced the report and its findings, both of which call it "a catalyst for meaningful change."
"The behavior of a few is simply unacceptable. And on screens and on screens, powerful people may abuse this power to make the lives of colleagues intolerable," said BBC Chairman Samir Shah. "The report makes some suggestions that prioritize actions over procedure changes, which is completely correct. It also addresses some deep seating issues: for example, it is necessary for people who make sure everyone can be confident and can't speak."
He concluded: “Ultimately, it’s simple: If you’re someone ready to abuse power or hit or perform badly, there’s nothing in the BBC.”
BBC Director Tim Davie said the report “is an important moment for BBC and the broader industry. It provides clear, practical advice we are committed to implementing at speed.”
He added: “The actions we take today are designed to change the experience of the BBC and to ensure the values we register when we get here – for most of us, values are the values we want to enter the BBC first – living and advocating throughout the organization every day.”
The BBC said its immediate actions include launching a “refresh and strengthening” code of conduct and providing specific guidance to live broadcast presenters; implementing a “stronger” discipline policy and updating examples of misconduct and obvious consequences; requiring all TV production partners to be able to meet the Creative Industry Independent Standards Agency (CIISA) industry standards; launching a new “call” campaign to “promote positive behavior, authorize informal resolutions where appropriate, and challenge bad behavior”; and making clear commitments for anyone raising concerns and articulate their expectations of the BBC.
The comment also makes other recommendations, including investing in leadership and HR capabilities, such as defining the maximum leadership of BBC values and ensuring they are embedded at all levels; strengthening succession programs to “create more transparent and inclusive processes to identify and prepare all talent, especially in the play roles;” and establishing a dedicated independent response team to “rebuild trust and confidence in the problem how to present, resolve and report anonymously”.
Responding to the BBC’s comments, Lisa Nandy, the British Minister of Culture, said: “In any place where there is no abuse or harassment, the BBC staff joins the public in correctly expecting their National Broadcaster’s highest standards. I welcome the action by the BBC leaders on the conclusions of this report.” She concluded: “The government believes that the BBC will be a correct moral imperative.”