BBC Board apologises for ‘missed opportunities’ after Tim Westwood review

The BBC Board has apologised after a review into what the broadcaster knew about concerns over former Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood’s conduct found it had “missed opportunities that might have led to action”.

The publication of the report, which saw barrister Gemma White KC commissioned in 2022 by the BBC Board to examine what was known about Westwood’s alleged conduct during his time at the corporation, has been delayed at various points.

In December, the BBC paused its publication of the report at the request of the Metropolitan Police.

Hip-hop DJ Westwood, 67, has previously strongly denied “all allegations of inappropriate behaviour”, along with any wrongdoing.

The BBC Board said in response to the review: “It is worth noting, at the outset, that the report finds there was no widespread or significant BBC knowledge of allegations or concerns about predatory sexual behaviour by Mr Westwood.

“It is clear, however, that there were instances where the organisation missed opportunities that might have led to action. Allegations were treated in isolation rather than being brought together. Had this happened, the BBC may have seen a pattern of behaviour that it could have acted on.

“Beyond assessing any alleged criminality, which is a matter for the police, it is clear there were times where the BBC, on learning about concerns regarding Mr Westwood’s behaviour, did not take adequate action.

“There is evidence of bullying and misogynistic behaviour on the part of Mr Westwood and the plain fact is that his general conduct was entirely incompatible with BBC values – not just now, but then.

“The organisation fell short and failed people – including our own staff – who had a right to expect better from us.”

“The BBC Board further said they “take this opportunity to apologise on behalf of the entire BBC to anyone impacted by what the review has found. Your voice has been heard, and the findings of the review will further fuel the drive to ensure it does not happen again”.

The cost of the review is approximately £3.3 million, the BBC said.

Over the last couple of years, the BBC has taken action, including introducing a “new anti-bullying and harassment policy”, as well as a “dedicated ‘support at work’ team to address bullying and harassment cases”.

Westwood spent nearly two decades at the BBC, before departing Radio 1 and Radio 1Xtra in 2013.

In the report, the barrister leading the review said Westwood declined to take part, but his lawyers provided a statement.

It said he “strongly denies that his behaviour ever amounted to bullying or harassment”, and said some people “behaved poorly towards” him.

The statement said he “complained to the controller about this negative behaviour at the time and he was essentially advised to rise above it”.

Mr Westwood also said that his decision to move to a new time slot in 2009 was “political, and the production staff made it clear that they did not agree with it”.

“The environment felt competitive and hostile,” he said.

“It was toxic from the outset. Mr Westwood worked incredibly hard on the show and had high standards.

“On certain occasions, he took issue with some of his colleagues’ poor attitude to work and low productivity, and expressed his opinion that they were lazy and out of touch with the audience.

“He accepts that this contributed to a divisive atmosphere within some of the teams with which he worked.”