Poppy protocols

The BBC has been answering some, though not all, Freedom of Information questions about poppies. 

I would be most grateful for your specific clarification of the policy, or guidance regarding: 

1) Are all guests on your programme, expected to wear the poppy during a TV appearance. 

Guests have the option to do so if they wish 

2) do you supply them with a poppy or are they expected to purchase this. 

Guests would usually wear their own. Sometimes programmes have them available and can supply if someone has forgotten theirs. 

3) Currently, guest and permanent presenters are expected to wear the red poppy, could you confirm the time duration of this protocol (i.e. is it 14 days prior to remembrance day) and WHEN this expectation was first formally enacted? 

See above. The decision whether or not to wear a poppy is a personal decision for presenter / reporters and guests. The tradition whereby BBC would wear poppies originated in the 1920s but it has been impossible to pin down the exact date. 

4) Would another colour of poppy be acceptable? 

Yes provided it represented an act of remembrance and not a political cause. 

5) Considering the environmental impact of plastics do you encourage staff to use reusable or source biodegradable poppy's AND if not is this something you are considering 

The Royal British Legion’s latest poppies are made of paper or metal. So no guidance isnecessary and none is given.

6) Could you supply your definition of a presenter?

 No, but wearing poppies is not limited to presenters.