The BBC's board has backed executive decisions surrounding the Hugh Edwards scandal, taking steps to restore the broadcaster's salary and commissioning an independent review of workplace culture.
In a statement on Friday, the board addressed recent events involving Edwards, who recently pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children. The board reviewed the BBC’s handling of complaints and investigations prior to Edwards’ resignation on 22 April 2024.
The Council endorses the decisions taken by the Director-General. [Tim Davie] “Taking into account considerations relating to legal obligations, available information, duty of care and accountability for public funds,” the statement said.
In a notable move, the board allowed executives to pursue Edwards’ salary since his arrest in November 2023. The board said: “Mr Edwards has pleaded guilty to a horrific crime. Had he been honest when asked by the BBC about his arrest, we would never have continued to pay him public money.”
The statement stressed the impact on the BBC's reputation: “It has clearly undermined confidence in the BBC and damaged our reputation.”
In recognition of the wider implications, the board announced plans to conduct an independent review to improve workplace culture and address power imbalances. “While challenges around power imbalances in the workplace are a challenge for many employers, the BBC must hold itself to the highest standards,” the statement said.
The terms and leadership of the review will be determined in early September, with the results published within months.
