Independent review
Completed
Clementi BBC Governance Review
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.
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.
Recommendations
Recommendation 1
regulatory oversight of the BBC should pass wholly to Ofcom
Recommendation 2
the BBC should have a unitary Board, with a majority of Non-Executive Directors
Recommendation 3
the primary responsibility for the interests of the Licence Fee payers should lie with the BBC Board
Recommendation 4
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
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
the Charter should place on the BBC a duty to consult with the public both as consumers and as Licence Fee payers
Recommendation 7
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.