The BBC is managed and run according to a set of policies and guidelines created by official bodies such as Ofcom, BBC Trust and Fair trading. These policies help us maintain the public purposes we set out each year outlining what we will achieve in line with our missions and values.
We are not permitted to carry advertising or sponsorship on our public services. This keeps us independent of commercial interests and ensures that we can serve the general public interest.
Starting in December 2009, HD services were being added to Freeview Multiplex B in parts of the UK that have been through digital switchover.
Audio description makes our TV services more accessible to blind and visually impaired people by explaining what is happening on screen using the gaps in dialogue.
The BBC has broadcast appeals for individual charities since 1923 and are an important part of our remit as a public service broadcaster.
The BBC works with many children every year in a variety of ways and has a Child Protection Policy. This supports staff in putting into practice the BBC's commitment to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people under the age of 18.
Producers working on BBC programmes follow strict policies for dealing with issues of taste, sexual matters, violence and strong language.
We are working to embed sustainable practices across the BBC and make changes that will result in carbon and cost savings in technology, buildings and procurement.
These policies ensure that BBC employees will be provided with a safe and healthy workplace and will take reasonable care for the health & safety of themselves and others around them.
The BBC conducts a wide range of pilots and trials to test new technology and audience reactions. They are an essential step in developing new creative or technical approaches.
These policies provide guidance to staff on the expectations we have of anyone employed by the BBC.
Every spring we publish a statement of commitments for each of our services including television, radio and online.
Subtitles provide a transcript of the TV soundtrack, helping deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers to follow our programmes.
One of the BBC's public purposes (as set out in the Royal Charter and Agreement) includes taking a leading role in the switchover to digital TV.
The BBC is committed to communicating bilingually with the public in Wales. This publication of a Welsh Language Scheme incorporates many of the current working practices of the BBC, and formalises language policies, as required by the Welsh Language Board.
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Branding guidelines (BBC logos)
We have detailed guidelines on how to use BBC branding for all employees and suppliers.
Commissioning for TV, radio and online
This covers the commissioning process for the BBC including BBC Vision, Audio and Music, and Future Media.
Corporate responsibility and partnerships
This area details how we are fulfilling our public purposes beyond broadcast activities.
We ensure equality and diversity within BBC programming and planning within our public purposes and duties.
These outline the standards for all BBC content on TV, radio and online.
Whatever activity the BBC undertakes, we must stay consistent with our Fair Trading obligations.
Fair trading complaints procedure
If you believe we are not acting under our fair trading obligations, you can complain to the BBC.
Future Media Standards & Guidelines
This details all standards & guidelines for developing and delivering products and services for BBC online
The BBC is obliged to make equal airtime available for party and referendum broadcasts.
The BBC tries to make content available as widely as possible which means some of our content is available on demand through other publishers.
Details of how to become a BBC supplier, the tender process, and terms of trade.
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