Our values
Our values were launched on 28 January 2003. Valuing people was perhaps the strongest theme to come out of the debate generated by Making it Happen. Our values reflect what the people who work here told us about the BBC, wherever they are in the world.
What are values?
Our values are the standards which people across the BBC share. They represent the things we cherish and aspire to, they guide our day to day decisions and shape our individual and collective behaviour.
Where did they come from?
Our values were defined by the 'We are the BBC' theme group and are based on feedback from the thousands of people who attended Just Imagine sessions across the BBC. They reflect what people like about the BBC and what they would like to change.
Why do we need them?
Internally, we are a large and diverse organisation, in terms of our geography, people and output; our values provide us both with a sense of unity and a common understanding of how we work together.
These values sum up everything that we aspire to be. However, it's in their practice that our values take on real significance.
Each value is supported by a list of behaviour statements. These guide the way we work as an organisation and as individuals.
Some of these behaviours are already within our grasp. Some will be a real stretch for everyone. Many would challenge the notion that we are good at sharing resources and ideas, that we constantly put our audiences at the heart of everything we do and that we value and respect the talents of BBC people at all levels.
It's only by adopting these behaviours, collectively, that we can bring our values to life and achieve change within the BBC.
Externally, we are an organisation rich in values and we should be proud to stand by these publicly. By articulating them, we will be clarifying what makes us different and how we as the BBC can enrich our audiences' lives.
These are our values. They are the standards which people across the BBC share. The values represent the things we cherish and aspire to; they guide our day to day decisions and shape our individual and collective behaviour, wherever we are in the world.
Our behaviour statements
We are all expected to live out these values in the way we deal with our audiences, suppliers and customers. If we do this successfully, it will help them to appreciate what we offer.
Trust Trust is the foundation of the BBC: we are independent, impartial and honest
As an organisation: We are truthful and fair in all our programmes and services. We make sure our output tests all points of view, and gives voice to a wide range of opinions. We always act in the public interest. We resist pressure on the output from political parties and lobby groups. We act in good faith: we admit mistakes when we make them, and take appropriate action.
As an individual: I disclose personal interests which might cause a conflict-of-interest. I deal fairly with suppliers, contributors and members of the public. |
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Audiences Audiences are at the heart of everything we do
As an organisation: We continually push the boundaries to delight and surprise our audiences and customers: we aim to stretch people's imagination and expand their horizons. We all seek inspiration and learning from audiences and customers.
As an individual: I relish feedback and respond honestly to what our audiences and customers have to say, whether I like it or not. I recognise that not everyone is like me and my friends. I respect and will never patronise audiences and customers. I am welcoming and make sure people have a good experience when they come into contact with the BBC. |
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Quality and Value We take pride in delivering quality and value for money
As an organisation: We aim to be a world-beating organisation: we compare ourselves with the best and learn how to do better. We celebrate great talent and excellent performance. We owe our existence to public funding so we continually ask ourselves: if this were my money would I spend it this way? We provide the best value by sharing our resources across the BBC.
As an individual: I go the extra mile to make sure the job is well done. I avoid waste and challenge under-use of resources. I always look for ways to deliver more and spend less. |
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Creativity Creativity is the lifeblood of our organisation
As an organisation: We celebrate creative success and learn from failure. We make the time and space to solve problems and be creative. We adopt a disciplined approach to developing, testing and refining ideas. We take considered risks. We encourage people outside our immediate teams to help us come up with new ideas.
As an individual: I use audience and customer insights to inspire my thinking. I support the best idea, not just my own idea. |
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Respect We respect each other and celebrate our diversity so that everyone can give their best
As an organisation: We recruit people who can share the BBC's values. We use the talent of our staff and each individual's unique view of the world to improve our programmes and services. We reward success and have fun at work. We address unacceptable behaviour and deal with poor performance quickly and fairly.
As an individual: I am open, courteous and trustworthy in dealings with colleagues. I address problems directly but considerately. I take responsibility for my performance and development in line with the BBC's goals. I am open to change and respond flexibly to new challenges. |
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Work Together We are one BBC: great things happen when we work together
As an organisation: We make the most of our size to create outstanding events and programming across all our services. We have internal debate and external unity: we are all ambassadors for the BBC. We treat everyone as valued members of the team and seek a wide range of views.
As an individual: I do my best to get to know people and understand what they do in other parts of the BBC. I challenge systems, processes and people that block collaboration. I put the BBC as a whole before personal or sectional interests and work to achieve our common goals. |
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