Dark arts

It's no surprise that, when allegations of bullying at the BBC involve people with, internally, a high profile, there's frustration when there's no sign of resolution - for those accusing, and those accused. I suspect that's behind the leaking of long-rumoured trouble at the BBC's Arts Unit, which mainly serves Radio 4, to the Sunday Times - you get the gist without going beyond the paywall.

Here's some more recent figures from the BBC - they try to suggest closure, but it's clear there are a number of active cases.

Between 1 January and 30 September 2013 there were 8 disciplinaries in relation to bullying and harassment/sexual harassment. These resulted in two written warnings, four final written warnings and one dismissal. The remaining case required no further action.

In 2012 there were a total of 42 incidents of whistle‐blowing. 22 of these were reported via the Expolink service (the BBC’s independently administered ‘whistle‐blowing hotline’). The cases involved allegations of incidents of fraud, computer misuse, bullying/harassment, data protection breaches/violations and theft. Two resulted in termination of employment; 25 were referred to HR/management/the police. 

In 2013 there have been a total of 23 incidents of whistle‐blowing so far. Six of these were reported via the Expolink service. The cases involved allegations of fraud, sexual assault, harassment/bullying, copyright infringement, HR/miscellaneous complaints or theft. One resulted in termination of employment (and was reported to the police); two employees were disciplined; nine were referred to HR/Management/litigation/the police; seven are still under investigation