BBC Board issues apology for the ‘missed opportunities’ over Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood’s ‘bullying behaviour’
The BBC has today apologised for not looking into the claims made against Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood sooner.
It has published the findings of a review carried out by Gemma White KC into what the BBC knew about Westwood’s reported conduct during his time at the BBC.
Tim Westwood worked for the BBC as a Radio 1 and 1Xtra DJ between 1994 and 2013 and has previously said he “strongly denies all allegations of inappropriate behaviour”.
In response to the latest review, the BBC Board said in a statement: “The Board would like to thank Gemma White KC for her review. It is thorough, rigorous and comprehensive. We accept it in full.
“Over 120 individuals, most of whom were interviewed, contributed information to the review and thousands of records from the time were examined. We want to thank the individuals who have participated.
“The review has given voice to many individuals who otherwise might not have been heard.”
They added: “There is today an ongoing police investigation into Mr Westwood and we do not know the full scope of the issues that investigation is considering.
“The police have seen the report, and should they request it, we will assist them in any way that we can. Mr Westwood has always strongly denied all allegations of inappropriate behaviour or wrongdoing.
“It is worth noting, at the outset, that the report finds there was no widespread or significant BBC knowledge of allegations or concerns about predatory sexual behaviour by Mr Westwood.
“It is clear, however, that there were instances where the organisation missed opportunities that might have led to action. Allegations were treated in isolation rather than being brought together.
“Had this happened, the BBC may have seen a pattern of behaviour that it could have acted on.”
The report is said to have cost the broadcaster an approximate of £3.3m and found “there was no widespread or significant or BBC knowledge of allegations or concerns about predatory sexual behaviour by Mr Westwood”,
It added there were “instances where the organisation missed opportunities that might have led to action.”
The statement concluded: “The report concludes with a number of observations about the inadequacies of BBC policies and practices at the time, such as not having a system in place for considering all the relevant issues and concerns alongside each other.
“The Board has asked the Executive to respond to the conclusions of the review and set out how policies and practices have changed in the 12 years since Mr Westwood left the BBC and what further action could be taken.
“The Board has also asked that Change Associates consider this report as part of the “Respect at Work – Abuse of Power” review, which is underway.
“Abuse of power is an area where the Board continues to have concerns and where everyone in a leadership position at the BBC must continually strive to do better.
“The Board also wants to take this opportunity to apologise on behalf of the entire BBC to anyone impacted by what the review has found. Your voice has been heard, and the findings of the review will further fuel the drive to ensure it does not happen again.”