BBC review into workplace culture

30 April 2025

The BBC commissioned Change Associates to conduct a review into whether the BBC’s workplace culture was toxic.

Broadly the terms of reference included:

Whether there are further practical steps the BBC can take to ensure that everyone in the BBC understands and commits to the BBC’s Values and Code of Conduct;

How the BBC can endure the consequences of inappropriate behaviour and abuse of power are understood by all and that significant issues are dealt with ASAP and in a consistent manner;

Whether there is more the BBC can do to ensure that people feel confident to speak up and for managers and leaders to act decisively;

What the BBC can do when issues or complaints are raised to make it clearer how the processes will work and what information will be shared.

The review engaged with around 2,500 employees and freelancers through individual and group meetings, a survey and written submissions. Researchers also spoken to trade unions, production companies and similar.

The key findings are:

People take pride in working for the BBC and many say they love their work.
The overall culture is not toxic and many feel the culture has improved.
A small number of individuals behave unacceptably and this has not always been addressed. Though limited in number this has a disproportionate impact on morale and reputation as well as the culture.
There is a shared desire to have clear, practical action and greater accountability.

The recommendations from the report are:

To reset behavioural expectations and share a clear understanding of what is expected of everyone.
To promote a Call It Out culture.
To develop a dashboard to monitor culture and transparency.
To invest in leadership and HR to define leadership values and embed them.
To enhance succession planning with more transparency and inclusion.
To establish an independent, bespoke Respond Team to rebuild trust.

For more information on the immediate action the BBC plans to take in the light of the report and how they will build on this to embed long-term change you can read the full press release on the BBC’s Media Centre here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2025/bbc-publishes-independent-review-into-culture.

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