Bridging the Gap Between Values and Behaviour: Reflections on the BBC Workplace Culture Review
When Workplace Culture Doesn’t Match the Values on Paper
In April 2025, the BBC published its long-awaited Workplace Culture Review. The findings are thoughtful, evidence-based, and, at times, uncomfortably familiar. While progress has been made, the report highlights issues that many organisations still face, such as inconsistent behaviour management, reluctance to speak up, and blurred lines when dealing with senior or high-profile individuals.
One of the clearest lessons from the review is this: culture is shaped in the space between what’s written down and what actually happens.
This is something I know well. I previously led the BBC’s whistleblowing function during a time when many of these cultural challenges were already emerging. Throughout my career, I’ve supported organisations across multiple sectors to strengthen integrity and improve how they respond to concerns, both structurally and behaviourally.
Why Strong Values Aren’t Enough
The BBC is not alone in facing these issues. I’ve seen how well-intentioned systems and carefully worded values statements can lose their impact when behavioural accountability isn’t applied consistently.
A lack of policy isn’t usually what causes harm. It’s what happens when policies are ignored, especially by individuals perceived as too senior, too well-known, or too valuable to challenge.
Trust breaks down when values are stated, but not upheld.
Behaviour in the Grey Zone
One of the most important points in the review is the focus on the so-called “grey zone”, subtle forms of exclusion, disrespect, or inappropriate conduct that might not meet the threshold for formal disciplinary action but still erode trust and safety in the workplace.
When this type of behaviour is tolerated, even passively, it can reinforce a culture where some people feel protected and others feel disposable.
This is often where culture begins to fracture.
What Organisations Can Do
At EthicsVision, we help organisations translate written values into real-world behaviour. This includes:
Reviewing and strengthening whistleblowing and speak-up frameworks
Equipping managers to handle poor behaviour effectively
Improving how complaints are triaged, investigated, and resolved
Supporting leadership to model ethical behaviour consistently
Embedding accountability and transparency into every stage of the culture journey
These changes are not always easy, but they are possible and they matter.
Final Thoughts
The BBC’s review is a timely reminder that culture is not built through communications strategies. It is reflected in the everyday actions of people at every level of an organisation.
If you’re serious about creating a culture of trust, it starts with closing the gap between what your organisation says and what it does.
You can read the full BBC Workplace Culture Review at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/aboutthebbc/reports/workplace-culture-review
Support for Organisational Integrity and Speak-Up Culture
EthicsVision offers tailored services in workplace investigations, whistleblowing frameworks, and integrity-focused culture change.
📩 Contact us to learn how we can support your organisation in creating a more accountable, ethical, and resilient culture.
