The review after the BBC’s Huw Edwards to analyze the delays over claims of abuse of power

The BBC’s inquiry into the ‘abuse of power’ following the Huw Edwards scandal will examine how quickly bosses investigate allegations following accusations that complaints are being ‘ignored’.

Executives commissioned a review of the workplace culture at the corporation after concerns from staff that complaints about “talent” like Edwards were routinely thwarted by a “useless” HR system.

The review will examine how the BBC can ensure that cases of inappropriate behavior and “abuse of power” are dealt with “as soon as they are identified”.

Some experts have described the BBC’s complaints system as “incredibly stressful”, while another said HR often acted “like a union” for high profile figures.

Management consultancy Change Associates, the same firm which in 2013 looked into how the corporate working culture allowed Jimmy Savile to operate without declaring for decades, will carry out a review of internal procedures.

The BBC Board’s terms of reference for the review state that “there is also the potential for people with power from a significant public profile, leadership role or star status to abuse their position” .

To ensure a “zero tolerance approach”, experts will look at how the corporation can “ensure that the consequences of inappropriate behavior and abuse of power are understood by all and that significant problems are dealt with as soon as they are identified”.

The review will also examine how the BBC can ensure “people feel safe to speak up” and that managers “act decisively” on complaints.

The job comes after staff outrage over the Edwards scandal, which revealed discontent over internal HR processes at the publicly funded broadcaster.

Several whistleblowers filed complaints about Edwards’ non-criminal behavior in the workplace before he was suspended in May 2023 for paying a youth for explicit images.

The complainant expressed his concern that no action had been taken based on his complaints.

Other insiders claimed that concerns about star “talent” or senior figures at the BBC are routinely thwarted, giving the impression that “some staff are worth more than others”.

In the wake of Edwards’ admission of guilt over the footage of the child incident, outraged staff spoke out about failings in the BBC’s complaints system.

One insider said the “small fry” employees “didn’t matter” compared to the high-profile “big fry”.

They added: “The BBC has a long history of not taking ordinary staff seriously when they put their hands up and say something inappropriate or just plain wrong has happened.”

Following the appointment of Change Associates to investigate the internal issues, the BBC Board stated that “it was determined that management would maintain a relentless focus on getting it right, both to protect our workplace and the reputation of the BBC”.

Samir Shah, chairman of the BBC, said: “I cannot stress enough that I am fully committed to tackling inappropriate or abusive behaviour.

“Working for the BBC is a joy for most of us and it should be for everyone. No one who works at the BBC should ever feel fear or worry while working here.

“What I am clear about is that we need to ensure that the BBC is a safe, secure and welcoming place to work for everyone.”

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