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Independent review

Clementi BBC Governance Review

A Review of the Governance and Regulation of the BBC

Completed

Sir David Clementi · Published 1 March 2016 · Commissioned by BEIS

Index summary

Independent review of the governance and regulation of the BBC ahead of Charter renewal. Recommended abolishing the BBC Trust and replacing it with a unitary board with Ofcom as external regulator.

Original evidence

Report page Report PDF Government response

Government Response

The Government's response was the BBC Charter Review White Paper 'A BBC for the future: a broadcaster of distinction' (Cm 9242), published 12 May 2016, informed by the Clementi review among other inputs. It set out proposals to reform BBC governance and regulation broadly along the lines Clementi recommended, including a new unitary BBC Board and external regulation of the BBC by Ofcom. These changes were implemented through the new Royal Charter taking effect from 1 January 2017.

12 May 2016

Recommendations

Recommendation 1

Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport

Link to recommendation

Recommendation · source text

regulatory oversight of the BBC should pass wholly to Ofcom

Recommendation 2

Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport

Link to recommendation

Recommendation · source text

the BBC should have a unitary Board, with a majority of Non-Executive Directors

Recommendation 3

Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport

Link to recommendation

Recommendation · source text

the primary responsibility for the interests of the Licence Fee payers should lie with the BBC Board

Recommendation 4

Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport

Link to recommendation

Recommendation · source text

Ofcom should issue the BBC an Operating Framework, consistent with the revised Charter and Agreement, setting out the obligations placed on the BBC

Recommendation 5

Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport

Link to recommendation

Recommendation · source text

the Operating Framework should include Operating Licences in respect of the BBC's broadcasting content and distribution obligations; and should include Operating Licences in respect of services for the Devolved Nations

Recommendation 6

Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport

Link to recommendation

Recommendation · source text

the Charter should place on the BBC a duty to consult with the public both as consumers and as Licence Fee payers

Recommendation 7

Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport

Link to recommendation

Recommendation · source text

the BBC should have a 'Broadcaster First' system of complaints; appeal above the BBC on editorial issues would be to Ofcom

No recommendations with this response.