About Future Media Standards & Guidelines
1. Standards publishing schedule
bbc.co.uk standards are updated regularly, with new and updated standards coming into force every month. A Newsletter which details all new and updated standards is also published and sent to interested parties on a regular basis (at least quarterly).
New and updated standards are usually published on this site as they are completed to allow developers to read the standards before they come into force.
You can sign-up to receive the bbc.co.uk Standards & Guidelines Newsletter by emailing the Editor, Standards & Guidelines.
2. How standards are created and maintained
Specialist Working Groups, with representation across the BBC, are responsible for considering industry trends and developments in their respective divisions, and defining appropriate standards in response to these developments.
Once a Working Group has developed a new draft, or updated an existing standard, the Editor, Standards & Guidelines passes them for final approval by the User Experience and Design Cluster (see the Future Media & Technology website for further information about clusters). Once approved, they are then published to the Standards & Guidelines site and are enforceable from the beginning of the following month. So, for example, a standard signed off by the UXD Cluster on April 14th 2008 would become enforceable from May 1st 2008.
Note: This new publishing schedule means that projects that have started prior to a standard being updated may not comply with it. In this case, if you are working on such a project you should contact the Editor, Standards & Guidelines.
3. Can't access the standard you're looking for?
This symbol indicates that a document is not currently directly available to those outside the BBC. While we go through the process of making these documents externally available, you can obtain them from your Technical Account Manager.
This symbol indicates that a document is in the password-protected part of the Standards & Guidelines site because it contains sensitive technical information about bbc.co.uk. Those organisations who are on the Approved Supplier List can request a password to access these pages from the Editor, Standards & Guidelines, who will also be able to let you know if the organisation is on the Approved Supplier List.
4. Can't find the standard you're looking for?
Please contact the Editor, Standards & Guidelines if you wish to enquire if a standard exists for a particular task/technology/design/style/process, or request that a new standard be created.
5. But I disagree with that standard ...
5.1. Exemptions
5.1.1. If the nature of your project requires you to break a standard, you MUST NOT do so without requesting an exception, as your decision might result in material which:
- is inconsistent / bad quality / does not work
- makes it harder for you/others to maintain in the future
5.1.2. If you wish to request an exemption from a standard for your project you MUST follow this process:
- download and complete this Exemption Application Form ...
- ... and email to the Editor, Standards & Guidelines.
- Your request must include all pertinent information relating to your case (including launch deadlines) to allow it to be properly considered in a timely fashion.
- NB. these requests are welcomed – this is the way standards evolve (think of a precedent being available before offending and without the court visit).
5.2. Special exemptions
Special exemptions are granted for trials or pilots which satisfy the relevant criteria. This provides for temporary exemption from one or more standards, until the trial/pilot becomes a service.
To apply for a Special Exemption:
- Download and complete the Special Exemption application Form; and
- Submit this by email to the Editor, Standards & Guidelines.
- Applications are adjudicated in collaboration with Controller: Technology.
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