BBC still has figures who can make life unbearable for colleagues, says chair

The BBC still harbours powerful figures who can abuse their position "to make life for their colleagues unbearable", its chair has said.

- Michael Savage

Samir Shah's warning came as the broadcaster announced an overhaul of workplace culture after a series of high-profile cases. He made the admission to staff after the BBC accepted a series of reforms recommended in an independent review, which began work after the conviction of Huw Edwards for accessing indecent photographs of children.

The review found that the BBC does not have a toxic workplace culture, but must intervene earlier when allegations of inappropriate behaviour emerge. "There is a minority of people whose behaviour is simply not acceptable," Shah told staff as the review was published. "And there are still places where powerful individuals - on and off screen - can abuse that power to make life for their colleagues unbearable."

He added: "In the end, it's quite simple: if you are a person who is prepared to abuse power or punch down or behave badly, there is no place for you at the BBC."