BBC Editorial double standards

New guidelines issued by the BBC Trust today aim to improve the arrangements for handling editorial complaints by members of the public. But the balance has shifted too far in favour of complainants. The guidelines say that the public can expect a response within ten days, yet the average time spent by BBC management in dealing with a grievance by a member of staff is 112 days. We have seen problems recently for NUJ members who have faced disciplinary procedures as a result of alleged breaches of editorial policy brought on by complaints from outside bodies or individuals. In one case, the management decided to move to a disciplinary hearing prior to even investigating the matter. Members are exposed to double jeopardy; they can be found guilty of a disciplinary offence and face criticism as a result of the complaints unit or even the BBC Trust. Since Hutton and the internal navel gazing that followed, BBC management have sought to use the disciplinary procedures against journalists who are accused of editorial breeches. External complaints need to be taken seriously however, guilt should not be the presumed. Powerful bodies and individuals will complain relentlessly. It is the job of BBC management to protect its journalism and journalists, ensuring such complaints are treated only with the seriousness they deserve and not to the detriment of staff or output. The same rigour should apply when dealing with complaints by members of staff.