Independent review into how the BBC is governed and regulated

As part of the ongoing review of the BBC’s Royal Charter, Sir David Clementi is to look at how the BBC is governed and regulated, the Government has announced.

The independent review will form part of the ongoing process to review the BBC’s Royal Charter to make sure it remains a valued public broadcaster. It will be led by Sir David Clementi – former Chairman of Virgin Money and Prudential, and previously a Deputy Governor of the Bank of England.

The Government makes clear in the BBC Charter Review consultation paper that good governance and regulation are vital to a successful BBC. This will help make sure that the right framework of accountability, incentives, checks and balances necessary are in place so that the BBC delivers for licence fee payers, takes account of its market impact, spends its money wisely and is held to account in doing so.

Sir David has been asked to make proposals, taking account of the responses to the BBC Charter Review consultation, in relation to:

– the model of governance and regulation of the BBC;
– the specific mechanisms of governance and regulation; and
– the way in which the BBC and the bodies that govern and regulate it engage with licence fee payers and industry.

Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, John Whittingdale MP, said:

“…as part of the Charter Review process, I am pleased to announce that I am setting up an independent review into the governance and regulation of the BBC. It will be conducted by Sir David Clementi, whose experience – including being Deputy Governor of the Bank of England and reviewing the regulation of legal services in England and Wales – makes him uniquely placed to undertake this review.”

Sir David Clementi said:

“The BBC is a world class broadcaster and requires effective governance and regulation. I look forward to conducting this review.”

Currently there are three key groups that make up the system of governance and regulation of the BBC – the BBC Executive, the BBC Trust and Ofcom. The BBC Executive Board’s role in short is to run the BBC. It is responsible for delivering the BBC’s services, its editorial and creative output, and management of the BBC, in line with the strategies and priorities set by the Trust.

Sir David has been asked by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to submit a report setting out proposals for an appropriate regulatory and governance model for the BBC in the context of the Charter Review including key findings, conclusions, and any other supporting information in early 2016.

Further details on the BBC Charter Review can be found online at www.gov.uk/bbccharterreview.

Click here to read the full press release.