BBC staff told not to hire people who are ‘dismissive’ of diversity

BBC STAFF are being told not to hire candidates who are “dismissive” of diversity and inclusion, The Telegraph can disclose.

A recruitment policy document says applicants should be asked to “explain what diversity and inclusion means to you” and asks: “What opportunities do you see for you to promote, celebrate or encourage diversity and inclusion in your role?”

The guidelines, used in a major non-editorial department of the BBC, tell recruiters “don’t hire [candidates who are] unsuited to the organisation” if they are “dismissive or derisory of diversity and inclusion and surrounding topics”.

Managers are also directed not to offer jobs if applicants show a “lack of interest in learning more where no evidence of education and understanding of diversity and inclusion was given”.

The concept of diversity and inclusion has been criticised by conservatives as a way for organisations to promote controversial ideas around race and trans issues.

Earlier this month, The Telegraph revealed that ministers were planning a crackdown on civil servants “using their jobs as a vehicle for political activism” in relation to diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Commenting on the recruitment guidelines, a BBC source said: “The BBC is not a welcoming place for those with conservative opinions. Management talks about diversity, without embracing diversity of thought.”

They added that the corporation “currently feels captured by Left-wing activists and is unable to deliver on our core principle of impartiality”.

The source said: “Hiring on the basis of adherence to diversity and inclusion ideology excludes most conservative-minded people, and indeed much of the population.”

Robin Aitken, a former BBC journalist and author, said: “These guidelines illustrate just how embedded DEI [Diversity, Equality and Inclusion] ideology is in the BBC.

“The rules act as a mechanism to maintain groupthink and screen out anyone who is sceptical of this novel doctrine of diversity and inclusion.”

The broadcaster said it had replaced the recruitment guidelines in January 2023 with a new framework which assesses candidates against “BBC values and behaviours”, but the old policy was still in use during a transition period.

The recruitment guidelines also state that recruiters should look for applicants who “will elevate our culture from the outset”, and those who are “an advocate or ally”, who take “an active rather than passive role in improving things”, who “challenge exclusive behaviour” and help “everyone feel included and that they have a voice”.

Candidates are described as “suitable” if they understand “that diversity is not always visible to the eye”, are aware “of [their] own language and behaviour”, and educate “oneself and [share] knowledge with others”.

The BBC declined to comment.

‘The BBC currently feels captured by Left-wing activists and unable to deliver on impartiality’