Becoming a supplier

Independent producers who would like to pitch an idea to us must be registered on the BBC PiCoS submission system. PiCoS helps us manage the ideas we receive, ensure fairness, comply with our commitments, and keep track of  the progress of individual ideas. Find out how to register and use the PiCoS system below.

Please note, we do not accept programme ideas from individuals unattached to a production company. To find other ways to work with us, please see the Talent and skills website.

PiCoS eligibility

In order to be registered on PiCoS your company must confirm that it has: 

• Experience in making audio content (or have access to people who have that experience), which has been published in some form (e.g. an active podcast feed) in the past 12 months) – and to be able to demonstrate that experience
• Be a registered corporate entity (e.g a Limited Company) 
• Hold a valid Data Protection policy and comply with all relevant Data Protection legislation. If you do not currently have a policy, a template is available from Audio UK
• Have a Health & Safety policy. Please note that if your company is larger than five people, holding a policy is mandatory. If you do not currently have a policy, a template is available from Audio UK
• Agree to the BBC Terms of Trade and Terms and Conditions for PiCoS 
• Be able to meet the BBC's technical requirements 
• Have a Diversity and Inclusion policy in place. This is a contractual requirement; . If you do not currently have a policy, a template is available from Audio UK  
• Have a Respect at Work policy in place. This is a contractual requirement; if you do not currently have a policy, a template is available from Audio UK  

The ‘Main Office Email Address’ is the email the BBC will use to send information about commissioning rounds and other information about BBC Radio. It’s important you keep this information up to date to ensure you don’t miss these communications.  If your contact details change please update them in the Supplier Admin area in PiCoS. 

Once your registration is complete, you will need to access PiCoS via BBC Login, if you haven't already got a BBC Login account you will be sent an invite to set one up from 'no-reply.bbclogin@bbc.co.uk'.

Once you have access to PiCoS you will also need to complete a Company Leadership Survey before you can pitch your ideas to the BBC.

It's vital that you inform us via email if your business circumstances change. 

Please note, your company will be removed from the database if:

• You no longer meet the BBC’s requirements of its production suppliers
• It has won no commissions in any three-year period on any BBC UK or national radio network 
• There has been a serious failure of compliance, or repeated lesser failures 
• It has delivered programmes that need further work 
• It has delivered programmes with incomplete paperwork 

Removal will be subject to an appeal procedure and there will be an option for re-registration where the company can demonstrate that the reason(s) for removal have been addressed to the satisfaction of the BBC. 

PiCoS registration form

Your company will be removed from the database if:

• You no longer meet the BBC’s requirements of its production suppliers
• It has won no commissions in any three-year period on any BBC UK or national radio network 
• There has been a serious failure of compliance, or repeated lesser failures 
• It has delivered programmes that need further work 
• It has delivered programmes with incomplete paperwork 

Removal will be subject to an appeal procedure and there will be an option for re-registration where the company can demonstrate that the reason(s) for removal have been addressed to the satisfaction of the BBC.