Beeb seek to improve working culture for LGBT staff
A review of career progression and culture for LGBT employees at the BBC found that while LGBT staff generally see the BBC as a good place to work, a number of small changes to working culture could LGBT their experience.
BBC Broadcasting House, London
“We’re aiming to create the most open, inclusive culture we can. These recommendations reflect what our staff have said and we will now implement them to give all LGBT staff the chance to flourish.” – Project sponsor James Purnell, BBC Director of Radio & Education
Currently 11% of the BBC’s workforce and 12% of its leaders identify as LGBT, the highest representation of any UK broadcaster. The review undertook in-depth research on what working at the BBC feels like for LGBT staff. Informed by 300 employees and input from Stonewall, the review made ten recommendations. They have already been accepted by the BBC’s Executive Committee and are designed to educate leaders and staff about what’s important to LGBT, increase the prominence of LGBT staff, role models and the BBC Pride network and empower LGBT staff to be comfortable about being open at work.
The review’s findings include a perception that younger staff feel freer to share more of their life at work in comparison to older staff and that, while important parts of the beeb’s output such as many of the programmes in last year’s Gay Britannia season, present balanced and supportive debates on LGBT issues, more could be done to make the BBC’s corporate support for the LGBT community clear.
BBC Scotland’s HQ in Glasgow.
BBC Media City in Salford.
Specific recommendations include building a network of straight allies who actively promote the LGBT community in the BBC – an initiative which has been successful at several other major employers – organising more internal campaigns supporting the LGBT community and providing guidance for managers supporting transgender staff, particularly when those staff are transitioning. As well as supporting current LGBT staff to reach their potential, the changes are designed to make sure the BBC continues to attract the best talent from across the world and remains relevant with younger audiences who, according to a 2015 YouGov survey, are far less likely to identify as completely heterosexual.
This review is one of a number of culture and career progression projects which have also looked at gender, ethnicity, disability and socio-economic diversity.
“We think each of the ten recommendations have the potential to make the BBC a more inclusive workplace, giving everyone the opportunity to do their best work. Although we hope the recommendations will positively impact everyone across the LGBTQ+ spectrum, we are particularly excited about the proposal for providing better support for our transgender colleagues and improving visibility with role models throughout the business.” – Co-Chairs of the BBC Pride Network, Karen Millington and Matt Weaver
BBC North in Newcastle.
