Category: Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ
Date: 20.01.2005
Printable version
In his keynote speech to
the Oxford Media Convention today, Michael Grade said the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's new
system of governance was delivering the radical change that is vital
to ensuring the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ is effectively governed and regulated for the 21st
century.
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Michael Grade said he had not accepted the job of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ
Chairman to defend the status quo:
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"It was clear to me on applying for this job that
an urgent programme of reform was needed to give everyone new confidence
that the Governors could represent the public interest and become sensitive
to the complex, multi-media world it now shares with so many private-sector
players.
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"I made this absolutely clear
in all the conversations I had with Whitehall before I accepted the
job. I spelled out that what I wanted to do as chairman would involve
significant structural change to the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's governance structures and
behaviour."
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He said it was unfortunate that the Charter review debate
about governance was coinciding with the implementation of the new system,
rather than after the reforms were complete.
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But this was an "accident of timing" and
eight months on from his arrival as Chairman, Michael Grade said that
the new system was already addressing the problems that were inherent
in the old system.
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"Our new system is up and running. Although not
complete in every detail yet, it is delivering.
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"It's already clear that it does enable us to engage
closely enough to scrutinise management activity, while at the same
time giving us enough distance and formality of process to guarantee
objectivity on behalf of licence-fee payers.
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"I really do believe it answers the material criticisms
levelled at the old system."
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He said the Board of Governors remained open to proposals
designed to improve the new system further and he said these should
be tested against five principles that any system of governance should
deliver:
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Independence of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ
Rigorous stewardship of public money
Accountability to licence fee payers
Clarity of roles
Practicality Β– can it be made to work?
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"Like all structures, our model is open to improvement,
and we welcome the current debate. Our minds are certainly not closed
to further discussion on this crucial issue.
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"But many of the alternatives proposed so far fail
in two key respects.
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"They fail to achieve a proper
balance between those crucial elements of engagement and disengagement.
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"And they create a degree
of complexity that would bring them into conflict with one of our core
principles: practicality. In some ways this is the most important question
of all. Will what is proposed deliver? Will it work?"
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Notes to Editors
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The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's new system of Governance includes:
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A new Governance unit which is independent of - and located apart from
- senior management and making more use of independent external advisers
Service licences for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ channels and services setting out budget, remit
and performance targets. Changes to licences will require Board approval
A rolling cycle of transparent, independent reviews of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ services
and activities, including issues raised by audiences
A Public Value Test for all new services, and changes to existing services,
before approval
An independent Public Value Survey of 10,000 people every three to five
years
Using the internet and digital technologies to stimulate the public's
views and contributions - holding 'online surgeries' and a virtual AGM.
