Mandatory Referrals are part of the BBC’s editorial management system. They are an essential part of the process to ensure compliance and must be observed.
Referrals to Director Editorial Policy and Standards
3.2.1 Any proposal to rely on a single unnamed source making a serious allegation or to grant anonymity to a significant contributor making a serious allegation must be referred to Director Editorial Policy and Standards and Programme Legal Advice.
(See 3.3.18)
Other Referrals
3.2.2 Where we believe we have broadcast a defamatory inaccuracy, Programme Legal Advice must be consulted.
(See 3.3.28)