The BBC Trust has now closed and these pages are no longer being updated. More information on the BBC’s new governance arrangements, as well as the process for making complaints to the BBC.

BBC Trust

Cymraeg

The content that audiences see on the BBC's television screens, listen to on the BBC's radio services and use online comes from a variety of sources. The BBC makes much of its own content – known as in-house production – as well as commissioning content from independent producers. Although editorial decisions are for the BBC Executive, the Trust has a number of specific duties in this area:

Television

News and current affairs – the Trust sets quotas for news and current affairs on BBC One and BBC Two, consulting Ofcom (for agreement in some cases) before imposing these requirements.
Original productions – the BBC Executive and Ofcom must agree an appropriate proportion of programming to be original productions.
Nations and Regions programming – the Trust sets quotas for programmes from the Nations and Regions, consulting Ofcom (for agreement in some cases) before imposing these requirements.
Programmes made outside London – the BBC Executive and Ofcom must agree a suitable proportion of programming to be made in the UK outside the M25 area.
Independent production – the Trust requires the BBC to follow a code of practice for commissioning independent productions, and reviews delivery against the Window of Creative Competition (WoCC), within which in-house and independent producers can compete for commissions. The Trust and Ofcom monitor compliance with targets for independent production.

Radio and online

The Trust must set quotas for the amount of independent productions the BBC's radio and online services should carry. It must also ensure that this content is of a suitable range and diversity. You can find our reviews of these arrangements below.

BBC Studios proposals

In December 2016, the Trust approved the BBC's plans to turn the production arm BBC Studios into a commercial subsidiary, with a series of recommendations to strengthen its future regulation and governance.
Options for changes to the supply arrangements for the production of the BBC's television, radio and online content and services (2016)

In February 2016 the Trust published its advice to the Government on the possible reform of the supply of BBC TV, radio and online content.
The supply arrangements for the production of the BBC’s television content, radio content and online content and services (2015)

In June 2015 the Trust published the findings from its review looking at the way that programmes and content are made and supplied to the BBC across television, radio and online by either independent production companies or BBC in-house production.
Window of Creative Competition (2008-13)

The Trust's third review of the Window of Creative Competition (WoCC) was published in March 2013. The WoCC exists to encourage the BBC to commission the best programme ideas for its audiences regardless of source, and accounts for around 25 per cent of all BBC network television hours.
Online independent supply review (2011)

In January 2011, the BBC Trust published findings of its review of the supply of online services to the BBC by the independent sector.
Radio independent supply review (2010)

In August 2010, the Trust published its conclusions on its review of radio independent supply, and accompanying evidence.
Network TV production in the Nations and Regions (2008)

In May 2008 the Trust approved plans that aimed to bring about a significant combined increase in network television production across the English regions, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.