BBC Trust

In July 2008, the Trust launched a review of the commercial activities of the BBC: BBC Worldwide's mandate, strategy and governance arrangements. The aim was twofold: to see if any changes were needed to reflect experience since the present arrangements were established in the current BBC Charter; and to consider concerns expressed by others in the market about the impact of BBC Worldwide.

In March 2009, the Trust published an interim statement on the progress of this review, which set out emerging conclusions and formally suspended its activity against the backdrop of ongoing discussions between Channel 4 and Worldwide, as well as the wider Digital Britain debate.

In September 2009, the Trust announced a series of changes to Worldwide's governance framework to ensure that it complied with the combined code wherever possible. This also established greater separation between the BBC Executive Board and the Worldwide Board.

In November 2009, the Trust announced the conclusion to its 18-month review, with a set of new limits to the BBC Worldwide's activity, including an end to mergers and acquisitions unless there are exceptional circumstances; and a clearer focus on securing value from the BBC's own intellectual property.

In April 2011, the Trust published a summary of the new strategy for BBC Worldwide. It will now develop a more integrated and balanced internationally-focused portfolio that, within agreed parameters, balances the need for growth with acceptable levels of risk. It will also seek to invest in growth businesses which offer new rights monetisation opportunities.