Tim Davie, the BBC director-general, has said the corporation has been “let down” by the behaviour of its high-profile presenters following scandals involving Huw Edwards and Jermaine Jenas.
The executive has sent an email to staff recapping a summer period which saw disgraced News At 10 anchor Edwards plead guilty to the possession of indecent images of children.
Jenas, previously a contender to replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day, was sacked and forced to apologise over inappropriate text messages last week.
Mr Davie told staff that the BBC will need to “build trust” after being “let down” by recent scandals.
In an email, he wrote: “The shocking news about Huw Edwards, concerning some of our other high-profile shows, has put the BBC in the spotlight.
“It can be challenging for us all when the BBC becomes the headline.”
He added: “I know we have all felt let down and worried about the impact on the BBC.
“However, we hold ourselves to the highest standards and I know there will be lessons we can learn to ensure we have the strongest possible workplace culture.”
Mr Davie added that the aim of the BBC should be to “act fairly, in line with our values” and to “build trust” after the scandals.