NUJ reacts to BBC board announcement

"The NUJ notes the BBC Board's decision today to embark upon a review of the BBC's editorial policies and governance. It is vital that this review is carried out in full consultation with staff unions, and that NUJ members have the opportunity to input meaningfully on matters that are critical to their work as journalists and programme makers and to their professional reputations.

"The BBC must ensure its whistleblowing processes are as effective and robust as possible. That also means rectifying the mistakes of the past, and compensating those whose careers were outrageously impacted by Martin Bashir's unethical behaviour and the BBC managements deliberate cover-up.

"Important outstanding questions remain about why those in senior positions in 2016 saw fit to rehire Martin Bashir – despite knowledge of his behaviour back in 1995 and in subsequent employment elsewhere. He was parachuted back into a highly paid role just five years ago, in contravention of agreements with the unions over a freeze on external recruitment. Senior executives must be held to account for this much more recent decision-making.

"When it comes to governance of the BBC, the NUJ repeats its long-standing call to have employee representation on the board – injecting a long-overdue presence of common-sense and valuable perspective of grassroots journalists and programme-makers into the heart of BBC decision-making.

"The BBC must act robustly and with complete transparency, and not allow interference from those who would seek to exploit this crisis for their own ends. The mid-term review is a critical juncture for the BBC's future and funding. Our public service broadcaster requires leadership that fights hard for its future, that prizes its role in our society and globally, and that cherishes the principles of universality that sets it apart."