The Commissioning Process

When someone submits a script, they will recieve acknowledgement of their proposal within one week, The Commissioning editor will either reject or progress proposals for further consideration withing 6 weeks of recieving it.
Proposals may be provided with funded development, in which case the timetable to commission will be subject to negotiation between the external supplier and the BBC and determined by the development contract. In other istances the final decision will be made no later than 20 weeks of recieving the proposal and a successful proposal will be given approval by the relevant Commissiong Editor. They is a chance projects may be held over in exceptional circumstances but only with the formal agreement of the supplier.


Code of Practice:
In line with the provisions of the BBC Agreement it includes details of how the following issues will be dealt with:
A. The timetable for the negotiations of the commissioning agreement
B. The rights that are required together with the payment for, duration and exclusivity of those rights
C. The arrangements for reviewing, monitoring and ensuring compliance with the Code under the auspices of OFCOM.
D. The provisions for resolving any disputes arising in respect of the Code.

The effective operation of this Code depends upon both the BBC and independent producers which it commissions being reasonable in their dealings with one another, with both parties abiding by the principles contained in the Code and undertaking to operate them in good faith.


Diversity:
The BBC is committed to embracing diversity so any proposal you make should include a paragraph explaining how the programme would fulfil there diversity commitment to reflect fully the licence fee paying public.

Disability Discrimination Act:
 If your proposal includes contributors or working before a live audience then it should also include details of how you will meet your obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. The production handbook and BBC guide to the disability act 1995 lays out the BBC's approach to the DDA

Health & Safety:
It is the responsibility of every production team to implement all necessary health and safety measures required during the course of any project. If any health and safety issues or concerns have occurred on previous projects commissioned by the BBC from your company, you will be required to include details of how such issues or concerns have been addressed, as part of any subsequent programme proposal submitted by your company.