The Comic Relief showrunner has advised workers on the Red Nose Day charity telethon to “raise a fuss” about any improper behaviour, as BBC Studios wants to prevent it from happening on its productions.
On Thursday morning, Peter Davey read out what has become known as “the promise,” which has been read out at the start of each performance since its inception last August with the objective of promoting courteous and inclusive conduct, as well as reporting any wrongdoing.
In a leaked audio published by Deadline, Davey said: ‘We’ve got a very important message to set the tone and the values of the production. It’s a pledge from us the senior team to make sure everyone is properly looked after.’
There is no mention of any reservations about the Red Nose Day telethon, but it is reported that the commitment relieved them.
‘We want BBC Studios to be a safe environment for everyone who works here,’ Davey said, reading the vow in its whole. We expect everyone, no matter who they are, to be polite and inclusive at all times.
‘Every individual should be treated equally regardless of their age, disability, sexuality, gender, race, religion or belief, marital or employment status. At the BBC, we expect everyone to read and adhere to our code of conduct.’
He noted that senior producers want to curate a culture of ‘inclusion and respect’, while colleagues raising any concerns will be ‘fully supported’ with issues ‘followed up in a timely and satisfactory manner’.
He continued: ‘I don’t want anyone feeling they can’t do it because they don’t want to make a fuss. Please make a fuss. We will act on things if we hear things but we can’t act on things unless we know. So please just let us know.’
When it comes to Comic Relief, which was co-created by Sir Lenny Henry and Richard Curtis, he said it was crucial for employees in the production office to hear the message since they’re at ‘pointy end of all the tension’.
Meanwhile, BBC Studios added to the outlet: ‘It’s great that Peter shared his commitment to the pledge with the production team working on Comic Relief 2023.’
They also noted their pride at making the pledge prevalent across the broadcaster’s ‘entire production business’.
They said: ‘The pledge is in place to make clear our expectations around behaviour and culture. We’re proud to have initiated it across our entire production business and the feedback on its use has been extremely positive.’
BBC said in a statement: ‘Since 2021, The Pledge has been empowering our senior production leaders to take responsibility for behaviour on their sets and encourage accountability.
‘It provides clarity and support to all team members – whether on or off-screen – as it outlines who is responsible for managing behavioural issues or concerns.’
Comic Relief airs on BBC One tonight (March 17) from 7pm.
Source My Celebrity Life.