BBC tightens compliance rules for indie contracts

The change is one of a raft of clauses designed to prevent another Queengate-style scandal (see box). Under the new terms, which come into effect on 1 May, producers and commissioners must have a formal “compliance conversation” about every programme, with both parties keeping independent records.

The rules also call on indies to obtain written BBC approval for all UK promotional materials and guarantee that promotional and to distribution materials used overseas do not “impair the quality, meaning or integrity” of the programme.

Indies will also have to prove that all production staff have completed at least two specified modules of the Safeguarding Trust course, either online or in a face-to-face workshop. The online modules must be retaken when they are updated each year.

BBC Vision controller of editorial standards George Entwistle said: “Compliance is a crucial matter for the whole industry. This process is about continual improvement. As we learn new lessons, we'll incorporate them into our guidance and try to help improve the culture of compliance across the whole industry.”

Pact has approved the changes and chief operating officer and director of business affairs Andrew Chowns described them as “a noticeable step change”.

He said they would reduce the risk faced by indies, but warned that the new terms must not translate to a mountain of red tape. “It's all very well saying someone is going to approve something, but if it is held up, there are costs involved. That's something that we will keep under review.”

Sarah Hargreaves, head of editorial standards at BBC Vision, said the new contracts would flag potential risks early. “We should always be worried about increasing red tape, but a lot of the things we are bringing in are already done informally. It may sound bureaucratic but problems are easier to deal with if they are identified at the start.”

Pact is currently in discussion with Channel 4 over changes to its standard production contracts. Neither ITV nor Five are proposing any contractual changes.

Post-Queengate compliance: the new rules for indies
All production staff must complete Safeguarding Trust course
Indies must have formal “compliance conversation”, with both sides taking notes
Indies must guarantee that foreign sales material does not compromise the BBC
BBC must sign off UK promotional material
BBC must sign off early viewings that could compromise impartiality
Indies must foot cost of rectifying breaches
Indies must take responsibility for the work of all subcontractors

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