Sir Michael Lyons has been chairman since May 2007

Chairman Sir Michael Lyons said the Promise to Audiences plan would ensure the BBC was more open and transparent.

The "promises" include the creation of audience councils, and a drive to inform viewers and listeners on decisions made on their behalf.

Lyons added the new plan had been drawn up in consultation with the public.

The policy is a requirement of the Royal Charter, which sets out the corporation's remit, but the chairman said the plan embodied the trust's "desire to build a lasting relationship" with the audience.

'Progress'

"Even though we've made real progress in giving a greater voice to the public and can demonstrate its influence, we know from the public's feedback that we need to do more," Sir Michael Lyons said.

"The public want to know when they can get involved but, more importantly, they want to know what action has been taken by the Trust as a result, so they can assess whether it's worth their time and effort."

The new protocol also promises that audiences will be given information "in clear and simple language, using technical terms only where necessary".

It also guarantees that reports will be "spin-free".