The BBC board has thrown its support behind executive decisions surrounding the Huw Edwards scandal, while also initiating steps to reclaim the presenter’s salary and commissioning an independent review of workplace culture.
In a statement released Friday, the board addressed the recent events involving Edwards, who pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children recently. The board reviewed the BBC’s handling of complaints and investigations prior to Edwards’ resignation on April 22, 2024.
“The board supports the decisions taken by the Director-General [Tim Davie] and his team during this period,” the statement read, citing considerations of legal obligations, available information, duty of care and public fund accountability.
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In a notable move, the board has authorized executives to pursue the return of Edwards’ salary from the time of his arrest in November 2023. “Mr. Edwards pleaded guilty to an appalling crime,” the board stated. “Had he been up front when asked by the BBC about his arrest, we would never have continued to pay him public money.”
The statement underlined the impact on the broadcaster’s reputation: “He has clearly undermined trust in the BBC and brought us into disrepute.”
Acknowledging broader implications, the board announced plans for an independent review to strengthen workplace culture and address power imbalances. “Whilst challenges related to power imbalances in the workplace are a challenge for multiple employers, the BBC must hold itself to the highest standards,” the statement said.
The review’s terms and leadership will be outlined in early September, with findings to be published within months.
