BBC staff now required to complete training course on antisemitism after string of scandals

Writing to staff on Wednesday, Mr Davie said: “The BBC is for everyone, and we are clear that everyone working here should feel they belong.

“As an organisation we stand united against any form of discrimination, prejudice or intolerance.

“In response to this, the BBC Academy has spent the last few months developing new anti-discrimination training.

“We’re starting with e-learning modules on antisemitism and Islamophobia, which we expect staff across the BBC to complete.

“The module on antisemitism is available from today, while the Islamophobia module is just being finalised to launch in February.

“I know that everyone will be committed to the training, ensuring the BBC is a role model as an inclusive and tolerant workplace.”

The BBC has been hit with heavy criticism from the Jewish community in recent months, particularly with regard to its coverage of the Israel–Gaza conflict.

The controversy deepened in June when the broadcaster was slammed for its handling of a Glastonbury Festival performance by punk-rap act Bob Vylan, which saw him lead a live chant of “Death, death to the IDF.”

Despite warnings, the BBC opted to continue its live streaming of the performance, a decision viewed by many as a failure of editorial judgment.

The broadcaster later admitted the livestream was a “very significant mistake” and removed the footage from iPlayer, while head office apologised to the Jewish community for allowing such content to air.

Leading Jewish groups have welcomed the broadcaster’s latest move while acknowledging “serious challenges” of the past.

Dr Dave Rich MBE, Director of Policy at the Community Security Trust (CST), a leading authority on challenging antisemitism, said: “The BBC has faced serious challenges in its handling of antisemitism, but we have been encouraged by the open and collaborative way in which they have worked with CST, APT and their own Jewish staff to develop this important training.

“We hope that this represents a genuine commitment and a meaningful step towards deeper understanding, improved awareness, and a more consistent approach to tackling antisemitism and supporting Jewish staff across the organisation.”

Danny Stone, Chief Executive of the Antisemitism Policy Trust (APT), said: “The Antisemitism Policy Trust has been pleased to partner with the BBC on producing a high-quality educational training package.

“Against a backdrop of rising antisemitism in the UK and across the globe, staff at our national broadcaster must understand how to spot and tackle anti-Jewish racism and support colleagues who face it. This training will assist in that effort.”

Ariel, the BBC’s internal platform, said: “We have been planning new anti-discrimination training for several months.

“Today we are starting to roll out the first of this training in the form of e-learning modules produced by the BBC Academy – one is on antisemitism and one is on Islamophobia.

“Both courses have been designed specifically for BBC staff and are focused on our workplace culture as part of our wider efforts to address all forms of discrimination.

“The training has been developed in consultation with BBC staff networks and external experts, and we would like to thank everyone who gave their time and views as part of this process.

“The Islamophobia module is in the final stages of production, and it will be available in February. We are working in collaboration with BBC Salaam and external experts to design and finalise it.”

Mr Davie announced his decision to leave the broadcaster last month following accusations of “serious and systemic bias” in its coverage of issues including Donald Trump, Gaza and trans rights.

Deborah Turness, the head of BBC News, also resigned.