Changes in the way the BBC is governed have come into effect to bring it into line with public expectations of the corporation.

The main change is in the Governance and Accountability department, formerly the Secretary's Office, which will aim to give a clear distinction between the role of the governors and the executive committee.

Chairman Gavyn Davies outlined his vision for the way the BBC will be regulated earlier in the year, with plans to formalise a relationship with the proposed new communications watchdog Ofcom.

The changes should also see more robust and independent advice given to support the governors in fulfilling their responsibilities as well as greater openness and accountability.

Disability services

Another major change at the BBC is the launch of a new, wholly-owned commercial subsidiary, BBC Broadcast Ltd.

The company will offer services to other television providers such as creating and managing new channels as well as technical and editorial skills.

Broadcast Ltd's remit will also include branding, cross-media promotional campaigns, subtitling and other disability access services.

The changes to the way the governors work has been implemented ahead of the creation of Ofcom.

Many commercial broadcasters have said it would be unfair for the BBC to sit outside Ofcom's regulatory powers, which will act as a watchdog for viewers' interests and ensure channels keep their promises.

Decency

The BBC is currently regulated by a board of governors, chaired by Mr Davies, with the remit of setting key objectives and ensuring public accountability.

But last year, members of the House of Commons' Culture Committee said they wanted the BBC to be fully regulated by Ofcom, which would oversee broadcasting and telecommunications services.

But Mr Davies has already pointed out that the BBC would be regulated by Ofcom in several key areas, including economic regulation, taste and decency issues and quotas on regional, independent and original production.

He has said the only difference between BBC regulation and the regulation of commercial broadcasters would be that the final "back-stop" powers will rest with Ofcom for commercial broadcasters and the culture secretary for the BBC.