Source · Select Committees · Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Third Report - Pre-appointment hearing for Chair of the BBC Board
Culture, Media and Sport Committee
HC 383
Published 15 December 2023
Recommendations
20
Acknowledged
Dr Shah's experience strong in factual content; needs broader BBC insight.
Recommendation
Dr Shah has considerable experience of broadcasting that he will bring to the role, with a clear focus on factual content, especially in politics, news and current affairs. During the hearing, we examined his experience and vision for other aspects …
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Government Response Summary
The government notes the committee's observations about Dr. Shah's experience and their expectation for him to demonstrate broader insight in future appearances, confirming his appointment as Chair of the BBC.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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28
Not Addressed
Encourage DCMS Ministers and officials to engage more constructively with Committee's parliamentary scrutiny.
Recommendation
We are disappointed by the Department’s engagement with the Committee prior to the pre-appointment hearing, and especially its failure to adhere to the Government’s own guidelines requiring that committees are provided with the necessary information at least seven working days …
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Government Response Summary
The government responds by explaining that an extension was required to complete necessary steps before providing documentation for the pre-appointment hearing, but does not explicitly address the committee's encouragement for more constructive future engagement.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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Conclusions (7)
21
Conclusion
Acknowledged
In his written and oral evidence to the Committee, Dr Shah demonstrated awareness of the current and upcoming challenges facing broadcast media and the BBC specifically. His immediate priorities for the Corporation appeared narrowly focused on news and current affairs, but his broader view of the need for sustainable funding …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's positive assessment of Dr Shah's understanding of BBC challenges and confirms his appointment to the role of Chair.
22
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Dr Shah responded to our concerns about the BBC’s impartiality and independence from the Government, and the need for accountability from the organisation and from the Chair specifically to Parliament and the public. We have no grounds for concern about Dr Shah’s reported conflicts of interest, given his proposed mitigations, …
Government Response Summary
The government notes the committee's findings that Dr. Shah responded to concerns about impartiality and independence, and that there were no grounds for concern regarding conflicts of interest. The government confirms his appointment as Chair of the BBC.
23
Conclusion
Acknowledged
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 …
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.
24
Conclusion
Not Addressed
During our hearing, Dr Shah highlighted his significant experience with the BBC, but also relied on the more than 20 years since he was employed by the Corporation as a reason not to answer some of the questions we put to him. He was willing to be drawn on some …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's report but does not address the specific observation regarding Dr Shah's reluctance to answer certain questions or his undertaking to provide written responses.
25
Conclusion
Rejected
We were disappointed that Dr Shah was not willing to express a view on fundamental principles, such as board level interference in the BBC and other bodies and on political impartiality. In his evidence to us, Dr Shah did not sufficiently demonstrate the strength and character that is needed to …
Government Response Summary
The government notes the committee's concerns about Dr. Shah's willingness to express views and demonstrate challenge, but affirms confidence in his abilities and confirms his appointment as Chair of the BBC.
26
Conclusion
Rejected
While we are of the view that Dr Shah is appointable as Chair, we have serious reservations about his willingness to offer his opinions and insight on some of the most fundamental issues facing the Corporation, and his ability to provide the robust challenge that the BBC leadership requires at …
Government Response Summary
The government notes the committee's serious reservations about Dr. Shah's willingness to offer opinions and provide robust challenge, but expresses confidence in his abilities and confirms his appointment as Chair of the BBC.
27
Conclusion
Acknowledged
If the Government chooses to proceed with the appointment of Dr Shah as Chair of the BBC Board, we expect him to appear before the Committee within the first three months of appointment to demonstrate that he has sufficiently considered and addressed our concerns. Work of the Department for Culture, …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the Committee's report and expresses confidence in Dr. Shah's ability to support the BBC.