BBC launches workplace culture probe amid Strictly and Edwards scandal

The BBC has launched a probe into workplace culture following a series of scandals to have rocked the corporation over the last few months.

The review was prompted by the Huw Edwards scandal which saw the well-known news presenter charged with three counts of making indecent images of children.

It also comes after a Strictly bullying probe that led to the BBC apologising to Strictly Come Dancing star Amanda Abbington after she accused her dance partner Giovanni Pernice of bullying.

BBC bosses said today they are aiming to crack down on the 'abuse of power'.

Other celebs including Laura Whitmore, Zara McDermott and Ranvir Singh came forward with fresh claims following the Strictly allegations - though Pernice and his team deny the wrongdoing.

The BBC review will be led by Grahame Russell, the executive chairman and founder of Change Associates, and the report is expected to be published next spring.

It will have a particular focus on 'preventing abuse of power and ensuring everyone at the BBC conducts themselves in line' with BBC values, the corporation said.

Announcing the start of the review in an email to staff, BBC chairman Samir Shah said: 'I cannot emphasise enough that I am fully committed to tackling inappropriate or abusive behaviour.

'For most of us it is a joy to work for the BBC and that should be the case for everyone. Nobody working in the BBC should ever feel fear or worry while working here.

'What is clear to me is that we must ensure the BBC is a safe, secure and welcoming workplace for everyone.'

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Change Associates previously led the work on the BBC's 2013 'respect at work' review.

The latest review will assess the progress made on those recommendations and will look at work done in other reviews.

It will focus on a number of aspects including how the BBC can 'ensure the consequences of inappropriate behaviour and abuse of power are understood by everyone and that significant issues are dealt with as soon as they are identified and in a consistent manner'.

If there is more the corporation could do to 'ensure people feel confident to speak up and for managers and leaders to act decisively' is also among the focus points.

The final report will make recommendations on practical steps the corporation can take to 'further strengthen workplace culture', the BBC has said.

Huw Edwards was handed a six-month suspended sentence in September after admitting three charges of 'making' indecent photographs after he was sent 41 illegal images by a convicted paedophile.

A BBC spokesperson said after its former broadcaster Huw Edwards was sentenced: 'We are appalled by his crimes. He has betrayed not just the BBC, but audiences who put their trust in him.'

Meanwhile, Sherlock actress Abbington's professional dancing partner Pernice said he had been 'pleased' after he was cleared of threatening and abusive behaviour towards Ms Abbington last month, but some of her complaints were upheld.

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A verdict was reached after six months of investigating that Pernice was not abusive, nor did he make any threats.

It was also found that there was no aggressive or physical conduct, but the corporation nevertheless issued an apology to Ms Abbington after finding in her favour on 'a number of' allegations concerning verbal bullying and harassment.

Out of 17 allegations, they upheld six, some of which were for Pernice using swear words. The report found that his language could be 'belittling.'

The BBC also agreed with Ms Abbington that at times he appeared to be giving her overly negative feedback.

Strictly returned for its 20th year in September without Pernice, who quit the show in May.

Other scandals the broadcaster has faced of recent also include the sacking of presenter Jermaine Jenas after he admitted sending inappropriate messages to female colleagues.