BBC launches first staff extranet

December 2003

This portal is the BBC's first website for staff around the world, launched on 16 December 2003.

BBC people around the world told us they wanted better communication. So, for the first time, this site is now available on the web, easily accessible for most of our staff with internet access.

But we're also looking into other ways in which we can give our global network of staff access to more BBC information. It will take time, so this portal is intended to be a first step.

Making it Happen around the world - MiHW - is for BBC staff everywhere. It has been created out of the feedback of our international staff, following the Making it Happen process in the UK and in many other locations around the world.

Have a good look around, then tell us what you think

We want this to be everyone's site, so please feel free to give us comments and suggestions.

We'll be using your feedback to make changes in the future.

There's a quick e-mail form in the Communicate area on the homepage of this site. Drop us a line, tell us who you are and where you are. And tell us your thoughts about the site.

Our values are becoming increasingly important in the way we work together. We've given you quick links to each of the values, so we can all keep them in mind.

For those of you with slow internet connectivity where you live and work, you can click over to a text only version of this site, with a link on the left, just below the Making it Happen banner.

Check out other parts of the BBC operating around the world. We've provided a range of links to other BBC sites so you can find out more about your international colleagues.

For instance, did you know the BBC's UK-based Nations & Regions division, serving English regions, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, also have staff around the world? It came as a bit of a surprise to the Making it Happen around the world team. Hello Nations & Regions!

Taken a good picture lately?

Is there a stunning view from your BBC office window? Or a funny moment caught on camera? Perhaps you've got a picture that perfectly illustrates some of the challenges you have faced on behalf of the BBC around the world?

Please send us your pictures, together with a short description, and share your world with the rest of the BBC!

Other areas on the site include links to more information about the BBC, its history, structure and purpose. If you want to find out the latest news about the BBC, at the touch of a button, go to our virtual Press Office.

And we've also provided some additional links, such as On This Day from BBC News and BBC Monitoring's Country Profiles. We hope these will be quick reference points. Tell us if you agree? And let us know about any other useful links from the BBC.

Although this is an English language portal, we are aware that not all our staff are English speakers. So if you know a BBC staff member who doesn't speak English well, and would like to learn, please direct them to the Learning English area of the front page.

Finally, you'll find a personal message from Mark Byford back on the homepage.

And while you're there, why don't you make this portal your homepage?