Following Richard Sharp’s resignation as BBC chairman, we would like to make the following points:
- The process for appointing Richard Sharp was clearly flawed
- However good Mr Sharp may have been as chair, his credibility was undermined by the chummyness evident in him being appointed over other candidates who were equally qualified
- This hurts the BBC’s credibility, both at home and around the world
- The BBC needs a strong chair to champion the Corporation, and to ensure it is able to deliver on its mission
- The role of chair always has a political dimension – we do not expect them to be apolitical
- However, the process of appointing Mr Sharp’s replacement must be reformed to remove any party-political influence
- Appointments for the next chair, and for other board positions with four-year terms, are likely to outlast the current government
We are calling for a new, independent process for appointing the chair of the BBC – and other, similar roles, such as the chair of Ofcom and Channel Four board members – to ensure that our vital public institutions and broadcasters get the leadership and governance that they deserve.
