The BBC has been branded “unwelcoming” after telling staff not to hire candidates who are “dismissive” of diversity and inclusion.
A recruitment policy document shows the broadcaster requires applicants to show openness to the success of both issues.
It confirmed applicants should be asked to “explain what diversity and inclusion means to you and, should you be successful, 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”.
Recruits to Broadcasting House need to prove they adhere to requirements on diversity and inclusion
PA
The Telegraph understands that managers have also been told not to offer jobs to candidates who show a “lack of interest in learning more where no evidence of education and understanding of diversity and inclusion was given”.
However, critics of the policy have warned diversity and inclusion could provide a route for organisations to promote controversial ideas.
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.
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BBC Broadcasting House PA“The place that I have given years of my working life, and that I sincerely cherish, currently feels captured by left-wing activists and is unable to deliver on our core principle of impartiality.
“Hiring on the basis of adherence to diversity and inclusion ideology excludes most conservative-minded people, and indeed much of the population.”
There have been a number of complaints about the BBC's impartiality in recent weeks, including with Match of the Day host Gary Lineker.
Former BBC journalist Robin Aitken also warned the broadcaster was now “hiring not on the basis of skill or merit but instead on people’s political attitudes”.
The BBC altered its guidelines in January last year
Getty The BBC confirmed it replaced its recruitment guidelines with a new alternative last January.
Recruiters are also looking for applicants who will “elevate our culture from the outset”, who are “an advocate or ally” and help “everyone feel included and that they have a voice in work”.
It is advised that applicants are given 10 minutes to answer questions on diversity and inclusion.
A BBC spokesperson said: "This report is based on an old document and does not reflect the BBC’s current approach to recruitment. Jobs are always offered on merit, but we make no apology in seeking to reflect the full diversity of communities across the UK’s nations and regions in our workforce.
"As well as assessing appropriate skills and experience, diversity is an important consideration, and our policies ensure we build teams that draw on the widest range of experiences and ideas, just as our audiences would expect."