Opinion: How has the BBC failed in protecting victims in the Tim Westwood scandal?

Time and time again we hear statements from organisations such as the BBC detailing how sorry they are that perpetrators went under the radar for so long. But is this enough? I’d argue not. This article will discuss the BBC’s statement in response to DJ Tim Westwood's “bullying and misogynistic behaviour”.

Commissioned by the board of the BBC in 2022, Gemma White KC highlighted the need to address the power imbalance between victims and their perpetrators. More than 120 individuals contributed to the review with thousands of records from the time examined as part of the inquiry. While the report noted that there was evidence of senior management “reacting firmly” to public complaints about the DJ and “evidence of their intention to create an environment in which employees would feel able to raise their concerns” this clearly displays that companies are not doing enough to show tangible evidence that they will support victims when they come forward.

A report by the Trade Union Congress published in 2023, found that in a poll of 1,000 women, 3-5 women had experienced harassment at work. When further specified it was found that in women aged 25-34, 2 in 3 women had experienced this. These shocking statistics clearly highlight the epidemic of sexual harassment in workplaces and the need for organisations (such as the BBC) to provide adequate protections for victims as the report found that most victims don’t report it for fear of damaging their career prospects. This should not be a risk when reporting a violation of yourself.

While the BBC issues an apology that said there was ‘missed opportunities’ over addressing DJ Tim Westwoods ‘bullying behaviour’ in February of 2025 this does not negate the reality that the 18 accusations of predatory and unwanted sexual behaviour and touching by 18 women was not a recent accusation, in fact his actions spanned from 1992 to 2017. So why did it take the BBC so long to recognise the pattern of actions that spanned Westwood's 3 decades of work there?. The report highlighted that the BBC had “inadequate record keeping and communication with people who raised complaints or concerns”

Clearly businesses are not doing enough to tackle sexual harassment in the workplace with figures only worsening. If processes are not improved, it is the victims who suffer with the consequences while perpetrators are allowed to continue to live successful lives.

Edited by: Jasmine Pegg