EQUITY union has boycotted the government’s BBC Royal Charter consultation, warning it is “unfit for purpose in both detail and scope.”

The performing arts and entertainment union’s general secretary Paul W Fleming said that the survey “seems designed to actively avoid finding out what people think about the broadcaster and its future.”

The consultation, which was launched in December and runs until March 10, will set out the constitutional basis for the BBC, including its objectives and purposes, as well as how it is governed and regulated after the current Royal Charter comes to an end on December 31 2027.

Equity, which holds a collective agreement that lays out the pay, terms and conditions for those working on BBC-Equity contracts, including safety and harassment processes, has criticised the consultation’s “complete absence of workforce consideration or representation.”

Mr Fleming said: “Not only is it restrictive, blinkered, and unfit for purpose in both detail and scope — it is contemptuous of the wide and varied BBC workforce, including directly employed, freelance and commissioned workers. 

“Creative workers will be dismayed at the missed opportunity to really delve into the purpose, position and possibilities for the BBC. And the fact that responses may be processed using artificial intelligence only adds insult to injury. 

“For these reasons, Equity is boycotting this survey, and we are encouraging our members to boycott it as well.

“There needs to be an expansive consultation into the future of our public service broadcaster which genuinely seeks and listens to the views of the public, including the workers whose careers depend on the BBC.”

A Department for Culture, Media and Sport spokesperson said: “The BBC belongs to everyone, which is why we are asking people from across the country  to be part of the conversation on its future.

“We also want to hear from those working for the BBC and wider sector, including freelancers.

“As set out in the Green Paper, this Charter Review will, for the first time, consider issues of workplace culture to make sure all staff are properly supported and their voices heard.”