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BBC has failed to foster an environment where employees feel comfortable about speaking up

Monday, 28 April 2025 16:22

By Katie Spencer, arts and entertainment correspondent

It is often cited as being the "envy of the world", seen as a gold standard public service broadcaster.

But while this latest report ultimately found no evidence of a toxic culture for staff at the BBC, it brought to light why the bad behaviour of some of its stars often goes unchecked.

The process of reporting was described by one employee as "traumatising... unsupportive, overly long... [with]... relentless rounds of meetings... and uncertainty".

And while BBC chairman Samir Shah says there is "absolute determination... [to] rid the BBC of these behaviours for good", it has clearly failed to do so to date.

From staff feeling unable to raise concerns about Russell Brand, to failing to "take adequate action" over DJ Tim Westwood's behaviour (both of whom deny any wrongdoing), on some level the corporation has to accept it has failed to foster an environment where its employees feel comfortable about speaking up.

It is also worth noting that if the recommendations sound familiar, similar was said after Jimmy Savile's abuse was exposed when the corporation published its Respect at Work Review in 2013.

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This new 2025 report talks of a Call It Out campaign for bad behaviour, which is not too dissimilar to its 2013 promise to "publicise support for bullying".

It also says it will implement "new pledges for individuals... on what they can expect from the BBC", which again sounds rather like back when they promised to relaunch the BBC's values.

Tough talking from the big bosses in there, but pretty damning that over a decade later these are still issues that it is struggling with.

Sky News

(c) Sky News 2025: BBC has failed to foster an environment where employees feel comfortable about speaking up

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