BBC Trust

The review will examine whether BBC management's actions and changes to procedures will ensure the BBC can and will comply with the BBC Editorial Guidelines and industry regulations. It will be conducted by Ronald Neil, independent editorial adviser to the BBC Trust.

The review will assess the Director-General's final report (expected in January 2008), auditing the compliance measures taken by BBC management to ensure they are effective and appropriate, and will report to the Trust by spring 2008.

Ronald Neil will also provide advice to the Trust during autumn 2007 on the Director-General's progress reports to the Trust as to whether the causes of the identified editorial breaches are understood and the actions being implemented are sufficient to ensure compliance is delivered in the future.

In addition, Ronald Neil will report to the Trust during autumn 2007 on the industry wide moves regarding compliance and telephony to ensure the actions being taken by the BBC regarding premium rate services and related interactivity are appropriate and in line with delivering public value.

Ronald Neil's investigations may include, but will not be limited to:

• Reviewing reports from BBC management
• Examining the new structures and procedures that have been put in place
• Assessing the effectiveness and appropriateness of compliance training
• Assessing a selection of publicity material for editorial compliance
• Assessing that relevant comparisons with other broadcasters' compliance regimes have been undertaken by BBC management and learning points implemented

Ronald Neil will be supported by other independent external experts appointed with the approval of the Editorial Standards Committee.

The review will be overseen by the Trust’s Editorial Standards Committee. The committee will review Ronald Neil’s reports, make recommendations to the Trust and request actions of the BBC management through the Editorial Standards Board.