Transforming compliance: how CoreStream GRC helped the BBC save time and build trust

Introduction: elevating governance and compliance at the BBC

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), one of the world’s most recognized public service broadcasters, faced mounting challenges in managing compliance efficiently across its operations. With a weekly audience of 426 million people, the stakes for compliance and governance were high.

CoreStream GRC stepped in as a trusted partner, delivering flexible, intuitive, and scalable solutions to address these complex needs. This case study highlights how CoreStream GRC helped the BBC achieve operational excellence across two critical functions, proving the platform’s ability to support diverse enterprise requirements.

About the BBC 

A global leader in broadcasting, the BBC is a public corporation under the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport in the UK, with a mission to provide impartial public service broadcasting.

• Employees: 21,000+
• Audience Reach: 426 million weekly
• TV Channels: 8
• Radio Stations: 10

Challenge

Manual processes holding back efficiency

The BBC faced two distinct governance challenges that called for a technology-driven transformation:

Challenge 1: ensuring local radio content compliance

The BBC’s manual process for reviewing and approving pre-recorded local radio content struggled to keep pace with the increasing volume of compliance requests. Maintaining an audit trail and demonstrating due process before broadcast became increasingly difficult.

Challenge 2: streamlining interactivity management

Managing compliance for audience engagement activities—such as votes, competitions, and awards—was another operational challenge. These workflows needed to comply with OFCOM and PhonepayPlus regulations, but the manual processes used were labor-intensive, inconsistent, and time-consuming.

Solution

CoreStream GRC: scalable technology built for enterprise complexity

Solution 1: automated compliance for pre-recorded content

CoreStream GRC developed a bespoke solution that automated the compliance process for pre-recorded local radio content. Key features included:

• Approval workflows: ensuring all content was vetted and approved before broadcast by relevant stakeholders.
• Centralized document repository: enabling the storage and retrieval of supporting compliance documentation for audit purposes.

This technology solution enabled the BBC to maintain compliance effortlessly while streamlining operations.

Solution 2: interactivity management solution

CoreStream GRC designed and implemented the BBC Interactivity Management Solution (IMS), a module tailored to handle the complexities of audience engagement across TV, radio, and online. Key features included:

• Dynamic approval checklists: Generating tailored compliance workflows based on event types.
• Automated processes: Reducing time spent on approvals from hours to minutes.

This wasn’t just a technological implementation—it was a collaborative effort. CoreStream GRC’s consultative approach ensured that the platform aligned seamlessly with the BBC’s requirements, organizational culture, and compliance standards.

Outcomes

Outcome 1: pre-recorded content compliance

• Compliance assurance: Zero compliance breaches since implementation.
• Audit readiness: Historical cases can now be audited and reviewed on demand.
• Efficiency gains: Major cost and time savings, recognized by the BBC Finance Committee.

“CoreStream GRC provided an adaptable and reliable solution that transformed our processes and reduced costs. They are a trusted partner for all technology initiatives.”
— Simon Rose, Operations Manager, Interactive Compliance, BBC

Outcome 2: Interactivity management success

• Regulatory compliance: Zero compliance breaches over five years.
• Time savings: Approval processes now take minutes instead of hours.
• Cultural fit: The intuitive platform aligns with the BBC’s operational needs and values.

“CoreStream GRC has been central to ensuring audience trust in our interactive systems. Their solutions are intuitive, secure, and designed with the client’s needs in mind.”
— Claire McLaughlin, Head of Interactive Technology, BBC

One GRC platform, endless possibilities

The BBC’s success with CoreStream GRC showcases the power of a flexible, integrated platform to solve diverse enterprise challenges. By automating complex workflows and embedding compliance at every step, CoreStream GRC has enabled the BBC to operate more efficiently while maintaining audience trust.

Whether managing compliance for pre-recorded content or audience interactivity, CoreStream GRC proves that scalable, intuitive technology is a game-changer for enterprise governance.

“At CoreStream, we’re proud to support the BBC in transforming their compliance operations. This partnership exemplifies how our flexible platform enables organizations to address diverse challenges with confidence, efficiency, and agility. By putting the user first, CoreStream GRC empowers enterprises to turn complexity into opportunity.”

About CoreStream GRC: the flexible, no-code solution for GRC success

CoreStream GRC is a dynamic, flexible platform that revolutionizes governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) management. Built to be scalable and intuitive, CoreStream GRC empowers organizations to design and implement their ideal GRC solution with ease, supported by a team of experts. With a user-friendly, no-code interface and customizable features, CoreStream GRC is the perfect tool for businesses that need efficiency and flexibility without the complexities of traditional software.

CoreStream GRC’s platform is trusted by global organizations such as the BBC, Deloitte, NHS, PwC Middle East, and Shell Energy, delivering real, measurable value to help companies manage their risks and compliance requirements. Want to see the GRC platform in action?

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