Mandatory Referrals are part of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ’s editorial management system. They are an essential part of the process to ensure compliance and must be observed.
Referrals to Director Editorial Policy and Standards
15.2.1 News and current affairs presenters should not front campaigns for charities or campaigning bodies as this could compromise the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ’s reputation for impartiality. Any proposal that would not comply with this must be referred to Director Editorial Policy and Standards.
(See 15.3.25)
15.2.2 There may be circumstances where it is not possible to produce a programme about specific talent unless it is produced by an independent production company owned by, or as a co-production with, that talent or an associated agency. In such cases, proposals can only be considered if there is strong editorial justification. The matter must be referred to the relevant divisional director and Editorial Policy; Director Editorial Policy and Standards must also be consulted.
(See 15.3.44)
Other Referrals
15.2.3 Where an individual considers a potential conflict has arisen that they have not already declared, they must inform the relevant editorial manager promptly. Editorial Policy may also be consulted.
(See 15.3.4)
15.2.4 In some areas, such as specialist music or science programming, on-air talent and production staff may have commercial, professional and external personal interests in their area of expertise. In such cases, the relevant division should ensure that appropriate editorial procedures are in place so that there is no conflict of interest with their on-air role. Such procedures must be referred to Editorial Policy.
(See 15.3.8)
15.2.5 Chief Adviser Politics must be consulted at the outset if there is any possibility of political activity being perceived as a risk to Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ impartiality.
(See 15.3.20)
15.2.6 Where any individual undertaking work for the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ intends to stand as a candidate in a national or local election – including seeking nomination as a party candidate – this must be referred to Chief Adviser Politics at the outset.
(See 15.3.21)
15.2.7 Any proposal by individuals to work for, or be publicly associated with, charities and campaigning groups must be referred to the head of department, who must consult Editorial Policy.
(See 15.3.24)
15.2.8 Individuals involved in the production or presentation of news and current affairs output – including freelances primarily known as Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ news presenters or reporters – must refer proposals to write columns or blog posts for external publications to a senior level in the relevant division.
(See 15.3.27)
15.2.9 Individuals involved in the production or presentation of editorial output for the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ must obtain permission from line managers before agreeing to provide media training. Freelance presenters must disclose their training work where it may be a conflict of interest with their work for the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ.
(See 15.3.31)
15.2.10 Individuals must not accept personal benefits, or benefits for their family or close personal relations, from organisations or people with whom they might have dealings on the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ’s behalf. Unacceptable personal benefits include goods, discounts, services, cash, loans, gratuities or entertainment outside the normal scope of business hospitality.
Any exception to this, where it could affect production of content for the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ, must be referred to the relevant head of department, who should normally consult Editorial Policy, to establish whether accepting the offer constitutes a conflict of interest.
(See 15.3.33)
15.2.11 Presenters of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ factual output who wish to recreate their roles in fictional output risk confusing audiences and undermining the credibility of their own output as well as damaging their own reputations. Any proposal to do so must be referred to their head of department.
(See 15.3.43)
15.2.12 Current presenters of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ news output should not appear as news presenters in a fictional bulletin if there is a reasonable possibility that this could confuse or mislead audiences. Any proposal to do so, for example in a comic, unrealistic or fantasy situation, must be referred to their head of department.
(See 15.3.43)