What does it mean to work for the BBC?

Transforming Our Culture: Supporting Freelancers at the BBC 

At the BBC, freelancers are a vital part of our creative and operational success. We’re committed to building a culture where everyone, regardless of contract type, background, or role, feels respected, supported, and empowered. 

We believe everyone deserves to work in an environment where they feel valued and heard. Whether you’re on-screen, behind the scenes, or contributing remotely, our commitment is simple: to create a culture where respect, integrity, creativity and collaboration thrive. 

Following an independent review involving over 2,500 contributors, including over 850 from the extended workforce, a range of measures have been put in place to strengthen our workplace culture. 

What We're Doing for our Freelancers

We’re implementing key changes to ensure our values are lived every day: 

• ‘Call It Out’ Campaign: Promoting positive behaviour and informal resolution. 

• Respect at Work Helpline: A single point of contact for seeking support and guidance, available to both employees and freelancers. 

• You can speak to your booker or a senior leader in your department regarding any support you might need. 

• Additionally, we require all production partners to meet the industry-wide ‘CIISA Standards’ of expected behaviour. 

For more information about raising concerns, whistleblowing, or any other support routes, please see below.  

In addition to this existing guidance, we are working on additional support measures to be put in place over the coming months. In the meantime, if you have any concerns, please contact the Respect at Work Helpline or raise it with your booker.  

Expectations

Whilst working at the BBC we want you to be able to focus on producing the best quality work on our productions. We understand that there are things that we need to provide to allow you to flourish in your time with the BBC. As well as this, there are certain expectations that we have of you whilst you're working on one of our productions.

We have a unique role in audiences’ lives: to inform, educate and entertain millions of people in the UK and around the world. To deliver this for all audiences, we aim to to attract and retain world-class, diverse talent and unite everyone behind a common set of values and behaviours.

BBC Values

As the world’s most creative organisation, we are committed to being diverse, inclusive and sustainable: reflecting our audiences across the UK and globally, connecting with new generations and perspectives, and respecting our planet.

More than just words on a page, our values inform everything we do. They are the DNA of the BBC. They set out who we are and how we do things. They define what you can expect from the BBC, and what the BBC expects from you.

Working with you, we’ve refreshed our values for our centenary year to help build a BBC that is creative, inclusive and full of opportunity. Where we’re all connected ⁠— to our audiences and to each other.

• AUDIENCES are at the heart of everything we do
• CREATIVITY is the lifeblood of our organisation
• TRUST is the foundation of the BBC — we’re independent, impartial and truthful
• We RESPECT each other — we’re kind, and we champion inclusivity
• We are ACCOUNTABLE and deliver work of the highest quality
• We are ONE BBC ⁠— we collaborate, learn and grow together