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Powerful showbusiness figures who boast star status have the potential to “abuse their position”, the BBC admitted yesterday as a major review of its workplace culture began.
With the company still recovering from a series of scandals involving high-profile individuals, the terms of reference for the new inquiry highlighted the importance of rooting out “unacceptable behavior” through a “zero tolerance approach”.
However, BBC chairman Samir Shah insisted that no one “should feel fear or worry” while working for the broadcaster.
This came after the BBC Board announced in August that it was commissioning the independent review following the Huu Edwards scandal.
Other recent controversies include the firing of Jermaine Jenas for sending explicit texts to two women and his treatment of contestants on Strictly Come Dance.
Former BBC broadcaster Huw Edwards leaves Westminster Magistrates' Court, London, on September 16
Amanda Abbington and Giovanni Pernice perform on Strictly Come Dancing
BBC chairman Samir Shah (pictured) insisted no one 'should feel fear or worry' whilst working for the broadcaster
According to the terms of the Respect at Work Review – published yesterday – there are “hierarchies and individuals with power and influence over others” in all organisations.
The document states: “There is also the potential for individuals with power arising from a significant public profile, leadership role or star status to abuse their position.
'At the BBC we have a responsibility to ensure we have the right culture, not just to enable people to do their best work, free from abuse, but to ensure the same values, expectations and standards apply, regardless of the person involved . .'
It states that management is “committed to the best possible processes and work environment to ensure a respectful and responsible workplace”, adding: “Ensuring best practices and a consistent approach requires not just constant focus, but a tolerance approach zero for unacceptable behavior.” .'
Among the stated objectives is to ensure that “the consequences of inappropriate behavior and abuse of power are understood by all and that significant issues are addressed as soon as they are identified”.
Other objectives outlined include assessing “whether we can do more to ensure people feel confident to speak out”.
Announcing the start of the review in an email to staff, Mr Shah wrote: “I cannot emphasize enough that I am fully committed to tackling inappropriate or abusive behaviour.
'For most of us it's a joy to work for the BBC and that should be the case for everyone. No one who works at the BBC should feel fear or worry whilst working here.
Jermaine Jenas was fired from the BBC for sending explicit texts to two women
The photo released by police of Edwards after his arrest
In the photo: BBC headquarters in London (file photo)
'What is clear to me is that we must ensure the BBC is a safe and welcoming place to work for everyone.'
The review will be led by Grahame Russell, executive chairman and founder of consultancy firm Change Associates, and the report is expected to be made public next spring. The focus will be on “preventing the abuse of power and ensuring that everyone at the BBC behaves in line” with BBC values, the corporation said.
It will also look at how long it takes BBC management to investigate allegations after they are made, following previous allegations from insiders that the company had sometimes “ignored” complaints about its stars.
BBC News featured whistleblowers who raised concerns about Edwards' workplace behavior.
He later reported that whistleblowers who took part in the BBC's internal inquiry into him were “disappointed” with the way the matter was handled.
The final report from Change Associates, which previously worked on the BBC's “respect at work” review in 2013, is expected to make recommendations on practical steps the Corporation can take to “further strengthen workplace culture”.
Last month, Huw Edwards received a suspended prison sentence after admitting accessing indecent images of children as young as seven.
