Source · Select Committees · Culture, Media and Sport Committee

Recommendation 24

24 Paragraph: 104

PSBs should be leading by example.

Recommendation
PSBs should be leading by example. The current gaps in employment data supplied to Ofcom are of significant concern. We recommend that Ofcom place minimum requirement obligations on PSBs, in terms of the employment data they provide, in order to drive down the industry-wide gaps in data that currently exist. Ofcom should hold PSBs to account if they do not meet the minimum requirements.
Paragraph Reference: 104
Government Response Acknowledged
HM Government Acknowledged
The media plays a vital role in UK society and therefore has an important responsibility to reflect 21st Century Britain. The Government is committed to supporting the sector to ensure it is representative of the country in which we live and a place where people from all backgrounds can achieve. Under the Communications Act 2003, Ofcom has a duty to promote equality of opportunity in relation to employment and training in the broadcasting sector and has powers to ask broadcasters to provide information about their equal opportunities policies and the make-up of their workforce. The Equality Act provides a framework for reporting by public authorities. Different rules apply for private and voluntary sector organisations. In that light, the Government does not propose to amend the statutory framework, given the need to balance the burden of regulation on enterprise, including small and medium-sized firms.