WILL YOU LIKE IT HERE?

Our values and why they matter

 

We believe that a good way of understanding an organisation is to look at the values of the people who work there. Values are the principles and standards that influence the way we work and behave. They show what an organisation feels to be important.

 

At the BBC, after talking to our staff, we’ve defined six key values, which we all support and aspire to.  It’s important that everyone who joins us shares our values and below you’ll find some more information on what they are and why we have chosen them.  We have also included some quotes from our staff, demonstrating exactly how we put them into practice on a day to day basis here at the BBC.

 

Our BBC Values are:

 

  • Trustworthy
  • Audience-Centred
  • Quality
  • Creative
  • Respectful
  • Collaborative

 

Trustworthy

 

‘An environment that people can rely on to provide support and uphold certain standards.’

 

Earning our audiences’ trust is one of our core aims. We are independent, impartial and honest.

 

“Recently a mother from China emailed us directly to share her account of the Tiananmen Square protests 15 years ago, it was a very moving story. It's particularly rewarding when our audiences feel they can share their experiences and comments with us.”

 

Richard Deverell, Head of New Media

 

Audience-centred

 

Every company has a wide variety of groups it talks to and receives input from. Being audience-centred means listening and responding to them.

 

Seeking inspiration and insight from our audiences is one of our core values; and what they give us, we try to repay, offering programmes that delight, surprise and challenge.

 

"We set up focus groups to measure our audiences’ reactions.  With their input we made sure that the final product matched their expectations.”

 

John Clarke, BBC People

 

Quality

 

An organisation that focuses on quality may be described as;

 

Providing world class output, setting the highest standards and constantly striving to do better.

 

This is one of our core values. In a crowded marketplace, second best won’t do. To win the loyalty of our audiences, we have to provide high quality and distinctive programming.

 

“I think everyone really likes working for an organisation that believes quality is just as important as ratings.”

 

Victoria Brignell

Producer

 

Creative

 

A creative organisation may be described as;

 

A focus on producing distinctive and compelling ideas. Being willing and courageous enough to take considered risks and learn from failure.

 

Creativity is the lifeblood of our organisation. That’s why we make time and space to be creative. It’s why we develop, test and refine our ideas, and encourage others from outside our immediate group to contribute.

 

“We were told ‘go away and be creative, make the ideas as wonderful as you can, and we will organise the nitty gritty of maximising it on air’. It gives you freedom.”

 

Sunil Singhvi, 1Xtra

 

Respectful

 

Valuing the beliefs and opinions of others so that everyone feels able to contribute their best.

 

Showing respect towards each other and our audience is one of our core values.  This means respecting people with differing cultures and lifestyles, learning from one another and acknowledging the contributions everyone makes. 

 

“One of the great things about the BBC is the respect that everyone shows for each other. People here are quick to recognise your talents and achievements and, you feel valued and appreciated for the hard work you put in.”

 

Neil Prior, Broadcast Journalist

Collaborative

 

An attitude that constantly encourages different people and areas of the organisation to work together to improve products and their working environment.

 

Great things happen when we work together. That’s why collaboration is one of our core values. We support the activities of all our colleagues right across the organisation. We treat each individual as a valued member of the team and seek a wide range of views.

 

“Most people don’t realise just how much liaising is involved in the role of broadcast journalist. I have to provide correspondents with the details they need, organise interviews, work with camera crews and commission graphics for reports.”

 

Richard Colebourn

Broadcast Journalist

 

 

So, will you like it here?

 

We believe that part of what makes the BBC a great place are these values that we all share and cherish.

 

It’s important that people joining us are aware of our values and would like to share them too.  We hope that you have been able to get a better idea of what we value in the workplace and whether the BBC is somewhere you would like to work yourself.

 

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