BBC Charity Chief Resigns Following Driving Conviction
The chairman of BBC Children in Need has resigned from his position just one month after his appointment, following a conviction for causing serious injury to a cyclist through careless driving. Terrence Duddy stepped down after being sentenced at High Wycombe Magistrates' Court on 13th November 2025.
The Incident and Legal Consequences
The collision occurred on 21st June in Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, when Duddy's BMW struck a woman in her fifties who was cycling on the High Street. Thames Valley Police released footage showing the cyclist travelling south toward The Green junction when Duddy, driving north, turned right across her path.
Duddy admitted to causing serious injury by careless and inconsiderate driving and received an eight-month suspended sentence for 18 months. Additional penalties included:
- 200 hours of community service to be completed within 12 months
- 18-month driving disqualification
- Total costs of £272
Rapid Resignation and Board Changes
Despite the June incident occurring before his appointment, Duddy joined the BBC Children in Need board as chair on 21st October, describing it as a "privilege" to secure the role. However, following his conviction, he offered his resignation on 18th November, which the board immediately accepted.
In their statement, BBC Children in Need confirmed: "In light of this he offered his resignation, which the board accepted, agreeing he could not continue in this role." James Fairclough, a trustee since 2021, has been appointed as the new chair with immediate effect.
Police Statement and Road Safety Warning
Thames Valley Police emphasised the preventable nature of the collision in their statement accompanying the released footage. "The cyclist had right of way and a moment of carelessness from the driver, by not properly checking the road was clear to cross, has had a life-changing impact on the cyclist," the force stated.
They added a crucial road safety message: "Please look out for others on the road, especially vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians. We all want to go home safely to our families."
The resignation marks a swift conclusion to Duddy's tenure at the prominent BBC charity, which had initially praised his "wealth of governance and leadership experience across both the charity and commercial sectors" during his appointment.
