Source · Select Committees · Culture, Media and Sport Committee

Recommendation 23

23 Acknowledged

Dr Shah's leadership experience in large organisations beyond BBC is limited.

Conclusion
In addition to his extensive media background, Dr Shah’s CV also includes considerable board-level experience in arts and heritage organisations and on bodies relating to race equality. However, his experience in providing leadership in large organisations is limited to his previous senior executive and non-executive roles at the BBC, the most recent of which ended in 2010. We explored this background in our hearing, focusing on financial management and organisational change, during which Dr Shah accepted that he did not have other experience at the scale of the BBC.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's observations about Dr Shah's experience limitations, reiterates its confidence in his suitability, and confirms his appointment will proceed.
Government Response Acknowledged
HM Government Acknowledged
I was pleased that the Committee agreed that Dr Shah is appointable for the role of Chair of the BBC, and I can confirm his appointment will now be put to the next meeting of the Privy Council for His Majesty The King’s final approval. I note the points made in the Committee’s Report. The Committee noted Dr Shah’s considerable broadcasting expertise, board-level experience and awareness of the current and upcoming challenges facing broadcast media and the BBC. I am confident that Dr Shah will provide the support and scrutiny that the BBC needs - in which your Committee plays such a vital role - to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.