The BBC will not ‘tolerate behaviour that falls below the standards we expect’
A message was sent to BBC staff on Friday by senior bosses.
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Your support makes all the difference.The BBC will not “tolerate behaviour that falls below the standards we expect” and will continue to champion “a culture that is kind, inclusive and respectful”, bosses have said.
In the message sent to staff by the corporation’s director-general Tim Davie, and Charlotte Moore, the BBC’s chief content officer, on Friday, they further said that they would be supporting Banijay UK, the producers of MasterChef, with their investigation and added: “It is critical that every part of the BBC upholds our values including where companies are working with us”.
The message, seen by the PA news agency, comes amid claims made against MasterChef host Gregg Wallace, who has stepped away from hosting the cooking show as allegations of misconduct are investigated by Banijay UK.
The message to BBC staff opened by saying: “We wanted to write at the end of a demanding week for the BBC.
“It has been upsetting to hear allegations of unacceptable behaviour by a presenter of BBC programming in recent days. We know that all of us who care for the BBC take these issues to heart”.
It continued: “We want everyone to know that you have our total support in raising any issues around inappropriate behaviour at work, and we encourage anyone to speak up if you see anything that is not right.
“We know that speaking out takes courage; we want to assure you we will always listen and take your concerns seriously. We will follow up on any allegations that are presented to us in line with our established complaints and whistleblowing procedures.”
It has been upsetting to hear allegations of unacceptable behaviour by a presenter of BBC programming in recent days
This week the BBC announced it was pulling a Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook Off special and a MasterChef Strictly Christmas special from its December TV schedules amid the controversy.
The message added: “With regard to the latest issues on MasterChef, we will support Banijay UK – the producers of the programme – as they complete their investigation. It is critical that every part of the BBC upholds our Values including where companies are working with us.
“We will not tolerate behaviour that falls below the standards we expect and we will continue to champion a culture that is kind, inclusive and respectful.”
It further added that the BBC is working with unions and bodies like the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) “to improve the experience for people working on productions, including freelancers”.
At the start of the week, Wallace apologised for claiming complaints about his behaviour came from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age”, adding he will “take some time out”.
His lawyers have previously strongly denied “he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature”, according to BBC News.
Earlier this week, Banijay UK said in a statement: “It is important to note, that MasterChef welfare processes are regularly adapted and strengthened and there are clear protocols to support both crew and contributors.
“These include multiple ways of reporting issues, including anonymously. HR contact details are promoted, and contributors are assigned a point of contact on set available to discuss any issues or concerns.”