Report on BBC Investigation into “Strictly Come Dancing” and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

An investigation has been initiated by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) following allegations of misconduct, including substance abuse, involving personnel associated with the program “Strictly Come Dancing.” This report analyzes the situation through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the corporation’s response as it pertains to health, decent work, equality, and institutional integrity.

Investigation into Substance Abuse: Upholding SDG 3

The primary catalyst for the current review is an allegation of cocaine use by two unnamed stars of the program. This issue directly contravenes the principles of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

• Target 3.5: This goal specifically calls for the strengthening of the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse. The BBC’s investigation into these allegations represents a crucial step in upholding a safe, drug-free environment and promoting the well-being of its participants and staff.
• The probe was reportedly triggered by a legal submission from a former contestant, indicating a formal channel for raising such health and safety concerns.

Institutional Response and Commitment to SDG 16

The BBC’s handling of the allegations demonstrates an adherence to principles of accountability and justice, which are central to SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

• The corporation has engaged an external law firm to assist in a BBC-led investigation, ensuring procedural fairness and impartiality.
• The BBC has stated it possesses “clear protocols and policies in place” for addressing serious complaints, reinforcing its role as a responsible institution committed to due process and the rule of law.

Promoting Decent Work and Equality: Aligning with SDG 8 and SDG 5

The recent events occur within a broader context of welfare concerns on the show, prompting actions that align with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 5: Gender Equality.

1. Ensuring Safe Work Environments (SDG 8): Past controversies, including allegations regarding the conduct of professional dancers towards their partners, have underscored the need for a secure workplace.
2. Implementing Protective Measures: In response, the BBC has proactively enhanced its welfare protocols. These measures, which support the creation of decent work conditions, include:
   • Mandatory chaperones in all rehearsal rooms.
   • Appointment of two new dedicated welfare producers.
   • Additional training for all dancers, production staff, and crew.
3. Addressing Gender-Based Concerns (SDG 5): These enhanced welfare measures, particularly the presence of chaperones and formal conduct training, contribute to creating a safer environment for all participants and are instrumental in preventing misconduct and ensuring respectful interactions between genders.

Combating Discrimination: A Focus on SDG 10

The report also notes separate incidents of misconduct that highlight the BBC’s commitment to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

• An incident involving a celebrity contestant making an “inappropriate and unacceptable” comment led to his departure from a BBC radio role.
• Another incident saw an actor suspended for using a slur against people with disabilities. The BBC’s public condemnation of this language as “entirely unacceptable” and the subsequent apology from the individual reinforce a zero-tolerance policy towards discriminatory behavior, directly supporting the goal of promoting social inclusion and reducing inequalities.

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The article directly addresses this goal through the central issue of alleged drug use. The investigation into “alleged cocaine use by the stars” highlights concerns related to substance abuse, which is a key component of public health and well-being.

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  This goal is relevant due to the “allegations about their behaviour towards their dance partners” made against male professional dancers. While the article does not specify the gender of the partners, the context of professional dance partnerships and the implementation of “chaperones in all rehearsal rooms” implies a need to protect individuals, often women, from potential harassment or inappropriate behavior, which aligns with the goal of eliminating violence and harassment against women.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The article connects to this SDG by focusing on the working conditions and welfare of employees and participants on the show. The BBC’s response, which includes announcing “new welfare measures,” hiring “welfare producers,” and providing “additional training for the professional dancers, production team and crew,” are all actions aimed at promoting a safe and secure working environment, a core aspect of decent work.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  This goal is addressed through the incident involving an actor who “used a slur against people with disabilities.” This act of discrimination is a direct affront to the principle of inclusion and equality. The BBC’s response, describing the language as “entirely unacceptable” and suspending the individual, reflects an action taken to combat discriminatory practices and reduce inequality.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.

    The investigation into “alleged cocaine use” by two stars directly relates to this target, which focuses on addressing narcotic drug abuse.

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres.

    The “allegations about their behaviour towards their dance partners” and the subsequent introduction of “chaperones in all rehearsal rooms” can be linked to this target, as these measures are designed to prevent potential harassment or inappropriate conduct in a professional setting.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  • Target 8.8: Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers.

    The entire response by the BBC to the various controversies points to this target. The implementation of “new welfare measures,” the addition of “welfare producers,” and providing “additional training” are all concrete steps to create a safer working environment for everyone involved in the production.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices.

    The incident where an actor “used a slur against people with disabilities” and the BBC’s subsequent disciplinary action (suspension) and public condemnation of the language as “entirely unacceptable” is a direct example of an organization enforcing a policy to eliminate discriminatory practices.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• For Target 3.5 (Substance Abuse):

  • Implied Indicator: Existence of corporate policies and protocols for addressing substance abuse. The article states the BBC has “‘clear protocols and policies in place’ for dealing with any serious complaints.”
  • Implied Indicator: Number of investigations into alleged substance abuse. The launch of an “investigation into alleged drug use” serves as an indicator of action being taken.

• For Target 5.2 (Eliminate Violence/Harassment):

  • Implied Indicator: Number of protective measures implemented. The article explicitly mentions the introduction of “chaperones in all rehearsal rooms” as a new welfare measure.
  • Implied Indicator: Number of reported allegations of inappropriate behavior. The article notes “allegations about their behaviour towards their dance partners” which led to dancers leaving the show.

• For Target 8.8 (Safe Working Environments):

  • Implied Indicator: Implementation of dedicated welfare support systems. The article specifies the addition of “two new welfare producers” and “additional training for the professional dancers, production team and crew.”
  • Implied Indicator: Frequency of policy reviews and updates. The announcement of “new welfare measures” indicates a responsive update to existing workplace policies.

• For Target 10.3 (Eliminate Discrimination):

  • Implied Indicator: Number of reported incidents of discriminatory language or behavior. The article cites the specific incident of an actor using “a slur against people with disabilities.”
  • Implied Indicator: Number and type of disciplinary actions taken in response to discriminatory acts. The suspension of the actor is a clear indicator of policy enforcement.

4. Summary Table of Findings

Source: bbc.com