BBC board wants salary refund after arrest

The BBC board has expressed its support for the decisions surrounding the Huw Edwards scandal, while taking steps to claw back the presenter’s salary and order an independent review of workplace culture.

In a statement released Friday, the board addressed recent events involving Edwards, who recently pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children. The board reviewed the BBC’s handling of complaints and investigations ahead of Edwards’ resignation on April 22, 2024.

“The board supports the decisions of the director general [Tim Davie] and his team during this period,” the statement read, citing considerations of legal obligations, available information, duty of care and accountability for public funds.

In a notable move, the board has authorized executives to pursue the return of Edwards’ salary starting from the time of his arrest in November 2023. “Mr. Edwards pleaded guilty to a heinous crime,” the board said. “If he had been honest when the BBC asked him about his arrest, we would never have continued to pay him public money.”

The statement underlined the impact on the broadcaster’s reputation: “He has clearly undermined confidence in the BBC and brought us into disrepute.”

Recognizing broader implications, the board announced plans for an independent review to strengthen workplace culture and address power imbalances. “While challenges related to power imbalances in the workplace are a challenge for several employers, the BBC must hold itself to the highest standards,” the statement said.

The terms and leadership of the review will be outlined in early September, and the findings will be published within months.