Lisa Nandy voices concern and claims BBC must ‘grip issue of culture’ after issuing apology surrounding Tim Westwood claims
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy spoke out after the BBC published the outcome of their investigation into Tim Westwood yesterday, admitting they didn’t take enough action.
BBC bosses issued an apology following the publication of a £3.3million report into Westwood’s conduct during his time at the corporation, with the review being carried out by Gemma White KC, which examined how complaints regarding the DJ’s alleged behaviour were processed between 1994 and 2013.
In response to the findings, the BBC Board admitted “it is clear there were times where the BBC, on learning about concerns regarding Mr Westwood’s behaviour, did not take adequate action.”
The report highlighted “missed opportunities” to address bullying and misogynistic behaviour by the former Radio 1 and 1Xtra presenter – however, Westwood, 67, has previously strongly denied all allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
It revealed that members of the BBC production team were left “upset and in tears” as a result of Westwood’s alleged bullying and harassment, with the board acknowledging there was “inadequate communication” between the corporation and “people who raised complaints” about the DJ’s behaviour.
According to the review, allegations were treated in isolation rather than being brought together, which prevented the BBC from identifying a pattern of behaviour.
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In the full response, the BBC Board said: “The Board would like to thank Gemma White KC for her review. It is thorough, rigorous and comprehensive. We accept it in full. The organisation fell short and failed people – including our own staff – who had a right to expect better from us.”
It went on to apologise “to anyone impacted by what the review has found,” and asked the executive to outline how policies have changed since Westwood left the BBC and what further action could be taken.
In another move to show its sincerest apology and how things are moving forward, the board also requested that Change Associates consider the report as part of the ongoing “Respect at Work – Abuse of Power” review.
Speaking about the ongoing issue, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy expressed her concerns following the publication of the report, meeting with BBC Director General Tim Davie to discuss the findings.
“The allegations against Tim Westwood are very serious. It is essential that staff and the wider public can have confidence in the BBC as our national broadcaster.
“There have been far too many instances of appalling behaviour in the media industry and there has been a culture of silence around inappropriate behaviour for too long. This cannot continue.”
In her discussion with Davie, Nandy was “clear that the BBC Board and Executive must grip the issue of workplace culture,” and demanded they “respond at pace” to the independent review.
The barrister leading the review noted that Westwood declined to participate in the investigation, however, his lawyers provided a statement claiming he “strongly denies that his behaviour ever amounted to bullying or harassment.”
The statement suggested some BBC staff “behaved poorly towards” Westwood himself, leaving his legal representatives to describe the working environment as “toxic from the outset” and “competitive and hostile.”
Metropolitan Police confirmed they are investigating a man over allegations of non-recent sexual offences in London dating back to 1982, 1985, 2010 and 2016.
A Met spokesman said: “A full file of evidence remains with the CPS for their consideration. Detectives from the Met continue to make enquiries, with support from prosecutors.”
The BBC has pledged to assist police with their ongoing investigation “should they request it.”
In July 2022, the BBC revealed it had received six complaints about alleged bullying or sexual misconduct by Westwood, one of which had previously been referred to police.