Working With Us

BBC Studios is a commercial entity, wholly owned by the BBC Group, and we are committed to maintaining the highest ethical and editorial standards in the way we operate. We strive to be fair, open and accountable to those who work with us.

Whether you’re a supplier, a production label, or joining us as a freelancer - you’re part of a unique organisation that reaches millions of people across the world every day. It is our shared responsibility to create work we’re proud of and to ensure everyone feels safe, respected, and supported.

We have set out clear expectations for those who work with and for any part of our business in our Code of Conduct. Our six Values shape our culture and define how we work. Importantly, they remind us of the commitments we make to our audiences, and to each other, about what everyone expects from the BBC.

We have policies, guidelines and helpful resources in place to help us uphold these values. Click to expand each section below for more information.

Our Editorial values

All our programming and content, regardless of the commissioner or where it is shown, adheres to the BBC’s Editorial Guidelines, which cover everything from impartiality through to how we treat contributors.

Our Advertising and Sponsorship Guidelines are there to protect the BBC’s global reputation and ensure our editorial integrity and independence are maintained. They set out the types of advertising and sponsorship relationships that are acceptable around the BBC brand. The guidelines apply to all BBC commercial services.

More and more of our audiences get their news and entertainment from social media. We must make sure that our digital presence lives up to our editorial values. If you’re a user of social media then you’ll need to follow our Personal Use of Social Media Guidelines here.

Protecting Information, and Personal Data

Personal data processing and the use of AI is subject to a patchwork of laws and regulations globally.  Suppliers are required to handle BBC Studios personal data in compliance with these.

BBC Studios has established policies and guidelines to be followed and applied when collecting, handling, transferring or storing Personal Data and when using tools involving the use of AI

Detailed Data Privacy Requirements are typically set out in supplier agreements. However, suppliers must also adhere to the following core policies:

Anti Bribery & Corruption

We’re committed to acting with integrity and do not tolerate bribery or corruption in any form.

We expect the same from everyone we work with, as set out in our Anti-Fraud and Corruption Statement.

We have the following policies at BBC Studios to support our commitment and to ensure compliance to applicable laws:

The Pledge in Productions

Our productions commit to The Pledge .

At the start of all BBC Studios productions Executive Producers sign and commit to The Pledge ensuring that everyone working on the production remains respectful and inclusive and adheres to BBC values – and that they will fully support colleagues who raise legitimate concerns.

Respect at Work and Speaking up

Respect at work is fundamental to our values, culture, and success as an organisation.

We encourage anyone who works for or represents BBC Studios or its subsidiaries, including employees, freelancers, contractors, consultants, volunteers and interns, to speak up when something is not right.

BBC Studios has specific policies in place to ensure everyone has clear, confidential and trusted channels for raising concerns. See our policies below:

  •  For serious concerns, please refer to our Whistleblowing and Investigations Corporate Policy. Reports can be made by:
    • Submitting a report through our secure web-based reporting system; or
    • Calling our confidential reporting hotline on 0800 890 011 and, when prompted, dialling 833 573 1750. If you are outside the UK, or wish to make a report in a language other than English, please click here for further reporting options.

Further information for Freelancers can be found here.

Health, safety & safeguarding

Safety and risk management shouldn't be seen as an additional aspect to our work; it forms an integral part in our approach to the planning and delivery of our activities.

Below are the relevant policies and resources available at BBC Studios:

It’s everybody’s responsibility to keep our people, systems, data and buildings safe. When working with children (under 18s) and vulnerable adults, it is everyone’s responsibility to implement the BBC safeguarding policy and code of conduct. For more information, see below:

Buying and Selling Ethically

At BBC Studios, we aim for our buying and selling practices to reflect our values. We’re committed to the highest ethical standards and expect our suppliers and partners to share that commitment, as set out in our Sustainable Supply Chain Code of Conduct.

Our Ethical Trading Policy further outlines the ethical standards we work towards,  including provision of safe working conditions and the protection of workers’ rights across our global businesses and throughout our supply chains.

Supplying @ BBC Studios

If you are supplying us with goods, facilities or services, we will have a contract with you on our applicable Terms of Trade or a bespoke contract.

Practical information for suppliers of goods, facilities and services who have a contract with us is set out under Accounts Payable.

Useful resources for freelancers

Here are some links to additional policies and resources: