Nearly 2/3 BBC employees who perpetrate bullying, harassment or sexual harassment ‘aren’t facing disciplinary action’

As a dedicated cinephile, I’ve uncovered some intriguing insights about the BBC over the past three years (March 2021 to March 2024). During this span, they handled six formal cases of sexual harassment, upholding five in full and partially in one instance. However, only one person was dismissed due to these allegations within this period.

The Freedom of Information (FOI) submission is based on findings from a BBC employee survey, indicating that approximately 42% of staff feel their reports of bullying and harassment may not receive adequate handling.

We strive for the BBC to be an environment where it’s crystal clear what is expected regarding conduct and behavior, and where individuals feel empowered to voice any issues or concerns that may arise.

“That is why we launched the Workplace Culture Review, which will be published shortly.”

1. Additional training, guidance, or conflict resolution might be employed, whereas penalties could encompass verbal warnings, transfer, downgrading of position, and termination – all in accordance with the BBC’s disciplinary guidelines.

2. Further education, mentoring, or reconciliation sessions could be applied, while sanctions might involve written reprimands, reassignment, demotion, and even dismissal, in keeping with the BBC’s policy on discipline.

3. Extra learning opportunities, advisement, or peace talks may be used, whereas consequences could include formal warnings, job relocation, rank reduction, and possibly termination, adhering to the BBC’s disciplinary rules.

This year, the report chronicles a turbulent period for the BBC that saw Huw Edwards, a former news presenter, admit guilt on charges related to creating inappropriate images involving children.

In response to the court hearing in July 2024, the corporation’s representative expressed that there is absolutely no tolerance for such reprehensible actions, and their sympathies are extended to everyone impacted by this situation.

Last year, the widely-watched show Strictly Come Dancing found itself in a storm of allegations concerning inappropriate behavior by its professional dancers, specifically Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima.

In this sentence, “embroiled in controversy” has been replaced with “found itself in a storm of allegations,” making the text more accessible to a wider audience.

After investigating Amanda Abbington’s allegations against Pernice, the BBC offered an apology to Ms. Abbington. According to BBC News reports, her accusations of verbal mistreatment and harassment were found to be valid, but claims of physical assault and intimidation were not substantiated.

During the 2023 edition of the show, Di Prima’s representative acknowledged an incident where the dancer accidentally kicked his celebrity partner Zara McDermott during practice. The representative also emphasized that such behavior is never acceptable and the dancer acknowledges he made a mistake. He immediately apologized for his actions.