BBC Review into conduct of Russell Brand is all too familiar reading

Responding to the BBC’s publication of its review into Russell Brand’s conduct, Head of Bectu Philippa said:

“The findings of the BBC’s internal review regarding the Russell Brand complaints make for all too familiar reading.

“The issues it raises, specifically around complainants feeling that their concerns would not be taken seriously, are very worrying but unfortunately nothing new.

“The BBC’s acknowledgement that Brand was perceived as too influential for staff to complain about, and that some presenters had been able to abuse their positions, is deeply troubling. It’s critical that people feel safe to raise concerns at work, especially in a sector where power imbalances are particularly extreme.

“Bectu wrote to broadcasters in September 2023 to express our deep concern at the handling of complaints against Brand, which are symptomatic of an industry-wide problem. It was clear then and it is clear now that employers must improve their internal processes for handling complaints of inappropriate behaviour.

“Our research from May last year showed that high-profile cases, such as the allegations against Russell Brand, have done little to shift the dial on the industry’s bullying and harassment problem. Many creative industry workers will today feel frustrated that the same warm words about change are being bandied about, but it is clear that a radical step-change is needed for the sector to meaningfully tackle this issue.

“The establishment of the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority is welcome progress in giving workers an independent, confidential service to turn to.

“But employers clearly need to do more to ensure their own procedures and reporting mechanisms are fit for purpose and support a culture where workers are confident that allegations are taken seriously. We look forward to seeing the recommendations that come out of the BBC’s Culture Review announced last year.”