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.
9.2.1 In the course of our work if we suspect a person under 18 may be at risk, or we are alerted to a child welfare issue, the situation must be referred promptly to the divisional Working with Children Adviser [2] or, for independent production companies, to the commissioning editor. If we are concerned about an adult, including a member of staff, working with a child the situation must be referred promptly to the BBC Safeguarding Lead [3] or Head of Investigations [4] or, for independent production companies, to the commissioning editor.
(See 9.3.2)
9.2.2 If a child is in immediate danger or requires medical attention dial emergency services, (999 in the UK), and ask for the appropriate emergency service. The BBC Safeguarding Lead or, for independent production companies, the commissioning editor, should be informed urgently.
(See 9.3.3)
9.2.3 Any online safeguarding concerns, whether related to online grooming or child abuse images, must be referred to the Head of Safeguarding, Policy and Compliance [5] immediately.
(See 9.3.4)
9.2.4 Any proposal not to pre-moderate online spaces directed to under-18s must be referred to Editorial Policy.
(See 9.3.10)
9.2.5 Any proposal to reveal an under-18’s personal information to a third party without their consent must be referred to a senior editorial figure, or for independent production companies to the commissioning editor, who should consult Editorial Policy, Child Protection and Safeguarding, and Information Rights.
(See 9.3.11)
9.2.6 Any proposal to continue with the contribution of a child or young person after a refusal of parental consent, or in the absence of it, must be referred to a senior editorial figure or, for independent production companies, to the commissioning editor. Editorial Policy should also be consulted.
(See 9.3.16)
[2] See Working with Children advisers site: available on Gateway for BBC staff or via commissioning editors for independent producers.
[3] See Working with Children advisers site: available on Gateway for BBC staff or via commissioning editors for independent producers.
[4] See Investigations site: available on Gateway for BBC staff or via commissioning editors for independent producers.
[5] See Working with Children advisers site: available on Gateway for BBC staff or via commissioning editors for independent producers.