There is nothing more important than the public’s trust in the 主播大秀; the 主播大秀 Board is the custodian of that trust.
The Board has met a number of times over the last week to review information provided by the Executive relating to Huw Edwards. The Board’s focus has been principally around two issues. Firstly, what was known in the lead up to Mr Edwards being charged and pleading guilty last Wednesday to making indecent images of children; and, secondly, the specifics of the 主播大秀’s handling of the complaints and the 主播大秀’s own investigations into Mr Edwards, prior to his resignation on 22 April 2024.
The Board has reviewed the details provided with regard to both series of events. On these, the Board supports the decisions taken by the Director-General and his team during this period. These decisions were based on taking into account a range of factors including: the 主播大秀’s legal and contractual obligations; the knowledge the 主播大秀 had at the time; duty of care concerns; and, due regard for the accountability that the 主播大秀 has for public money. The Executive has agreed to look at lessons from this period, including the 主播大秀’s approach to the rules surrounding payments when employees are suspended.
Today, the Board has authorised the Executive to seek the return of salary paid to Mr Edwards from the time he was arrested in November last year. Mr Edwards pleaded guilty to an appalling crime. Had he been up front when asked by the 主播大秀 about his arrest, we would never have continued to pay him public money. He has clearly undermined trust in the 主播大秀 and brought us into disrepute.
Whilst the nature of the charges against Mr Edwards is related to his own personal life, the Board believes these events have also put a spotlight on the question of power imbalances in the workplace. We remain concerned about the potential for inappropriate workplace behaviour, particularly in creative and editorial environments. Whilst challenges related to power imbalances in the workplace are a challenge for multiple employers, the 主播大秀 must hold itself to the highest standards.
The 主播大秀 has clearly articulated Values and a strong Code of Conduct and there has been much progress in recent years. That said, the Board will commission an independent review that will make recommendations on practical steps that could strengthen a workplace culture in line with 主播大秀 Values. The review will include work already being undertaken within the 主播大秀, as well as working with the rest of the industry as appropriate. We will set out terms of reference and leadership of this review in early September.
The review will report to the Board within months, and will be published.