Lisa Nandy fumes BBC must 'grip issue of culture' after probe into Tim Westwood

Lisa Nandy MP has fumed the BBC must do more after the results of their probe into Tim Westwood.

It comes after the license-payer funded corporation apologised after they missed signs which "might have led to action" against Mr Westwood. The report, which cost £3.3million and was carried out by Gemma White KC, looked into reports and complaints regarding Westwood's alleged behaviour and how they were processed.

The BBC said: "it is clear there were times where the BBC, on learning about concerns regarding Mr Westwood's behaviour, did not take adequate action." In December last year, the corporation put the brakes on their publishing their report at the request of the Metropolitan Police. DJ Westwood, 67, has previously strongly denied "all allegations of inappropriate behaviour", along with any wrongdoing.

Westwood spent nearly two decades at the BBC, before departing Radio 1 and Radio 1Xtra in 2013. In the report, the barrister leading the review said Westwood declined to take part but his lawyers provided a statement. It said he "strongly denies that his behaviour ever amounted to bullying or harassment", and said some people "behaved poorly towards" him.

Today, Lisa Nandy, Culture Secretary met with Tim Davie, the BBC's Director General, during which, they spoke about the review into the alleged behaviour of Westwood. "The allegations against Tim Westwood are very serious. It is essential that staff and the wider public can have confidence in the BBC as our national broadcaster," Nandy said.

She went on to add: "There have been far too many instances of appalling behaviour in the media industry and there has been a culture of silence around inappropriate behaviour for too long. This cannot continue. In my discussion with the BBC Director General, I was clear that the BBC Board and Executive must grip the issue of workplace culture and respond at pace to the independent review they have commissioned as soon as it has concluded."

Following the completion of the review, the BBC Board said: "The Board would like to thank Gemma White KC for her review. It is thorough, rigorous and comprehensive. We accept it in full. Over 120 individuals, most of whom were interviewed, contributed information to the review and thousands of records from the time were examined. We want to thank the individuals who have participated. The review has given voice to many individuals who otherwise might not have been heard.

"Following investigations by BBC News and the Guardian in 2022 concerning allegations made about former BBC DJ, Tim Westwood, the Board decided to review how the BBC responded to issues raised about his conduct during his time at the BBC – from 1994 to 2013. The Board commissioned an independent review because of the seriousness of the allegations raised, to ensure credibility and trust (particularly in light of the fact that many of the individuals whose allegations were reported in 2022 expressed the view that they did not come forward at the time because of fears that they would not be believed), and to ensure an examination of such a long period of time could be appropriately resourced.

"There is today an ongoing police investigation into Mr Westwood and we do not know the full scope of the issues that investigation is considering. The police have seen the report, and should they request it, we will assist them in any way that we can. Mr Westwood has always strongly denied all allegations of inappropriate behaviour or wrongdoing."

Their response went on to add: "It is worth noting, at the outset, that the report finds there was no widespread or significant BBC knowledge of allegations or concerns about predatory sexual behaviour by Mr Westwood. It is clear, however, that there were instances where the organisation missed opportunities that might have led to action. Allegations were treated in isolation rather than being brought together. Had this happened, the BBC may have seen a pattern of behaviour that it could have acted on.

"Beyond assessing any alleged criminality, which is a matter for the police, it is clear there were times where the BBC, on learning about concerns regarding Mr Westwood’s behaviour, did not take adequate action. There is evidence of bullying and misogynistic behaviour on the part of Mr Westwood and the plain fact is that his general conduct was entirely incompatible with BBC values – not just now, but then. The organisation fell short and failed people – including our own staff – who had a right to expect better from us.

"The report concludes with a number of observations about the inadequacies of BBC policies and practices at the time, such as not having a system in place for considering all the relevant issues and concerns alongside each other. The Board has asked the Executive to respond to the conclusions of the review and set out how policies and practices have changed in the 12 years since Mr Westwood left the BBC and what further action could be taken. The Board has also asked that Change Associates consider this report as part of the “Respect at Work – Abuse of Power” review, which is underway. Abuse of power is an area where the Board continues to have concerns and where everyone in a leadership position at the BBC must continually strive to do better.

"The Board also wants to take this opportunity to apologise on behalf of the entire BBC to anyone impacted by what the review has found. Your voice has been heard, and the findings of the review will further fuel the drive to ensure it does not happen again." The barrister who was tasked with leading the investigation said that Tim Westwood declined to take part.

His lawyers issued a statement claiming he "complained to the controller about this negative behaviour at the time and he was essentially advised to rise above it." The lawyer also claimed that Tim's decision to move to a new slot in 2009 was "political, and the production staff made it clear they did not agree with it."

"The environment felt competitive and hostile," he added. "It was toxic from the outset. Mr Westwood worked incredibly hard on the show and had high standards. On certain occasions, he took issue with some of his colleagues' poor attitude to work and low productivity, and expressed his opinion that they were lazy and out of touch with the audience. He accepts that this contributed to a divisive atmosphere within some of the teams with which he worked."

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