BBC workplace culture review begins

The corporation announced the review in the wake of revelations about Huw Edwards, formerly its most senior news presenter, who committed offences involving child abuse images.

Last month, Edwards was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, after he admitted three charges of making indecent images of children.

The review will focus on ensuring that the consequences of inappropriate behaviour and abuse of power at the BBC are understood by everyone and that significant issues are dealt with.

Change Associates specialises in cultural and behavioural issues across a wide range of businesses and industries. Executive Chairman and founder of Change Associates, Grahame Russell will lead the review.

Change Associates also led the work on the BBC’s 2013 Respect at Work Review. That review, carried out in 2013 in the wake of the Jimmy Savile scandal, suggested there was “a strong undercurrent of fear” at the BBC when addressing issues of bullying.

Announcing the start of the review in an email to staff, BBC Chair Samir Shah said: “I cannot emphasise enough that I am fully committed to tackling inappropriate or abusive behaviour.

“For most of us, it is a joy to work for the BBC and that should be the case for everyone. Nobody working in the BBC should ever feel fear or worry while working here.

“What is clear to me is that we must ensure the BBC is a safe, secure and welcoming workplace for everyone.”

The BBC intends to publish the report in the spring of next year.