Under the reforms, there will be two stages to making a complaint and a straightforward two-stage appeal process. The aim is to have all complaints followed up within 10 days.
A new code of practice will ensure that the public knows the standards to expect when they complain, plus a new website will inform the public of complaints received and action taken, as well as publishing corrections.
After the Hutton Report, which heavily criticised the BBC's journalistic practices, all serious editorial complaints will be red-flagged to ensure they are dealt with immediately.
An editorial complaints unit will take over from the programme complaints unit to resolve appeals by complainants. The decision of the ECU will be binding on programme making or output departments.
If the complainant is still unhappy, then they will be invited to make a final appeal to the Governors' programme complaints committee.
Deputy director-general, Mark Byford, will oversee any BBC management complaints by chairing a new complaints management board.
Mark Thompson, director general of the BBC, said: "The reforms we are announcing today mark a different attitude from the BBC towards complaints. There will be a greater willingness at the BBC to admit mistakes and, where appropriate, put things right."
BBC chairman, Michael Grade, added: "The changes mean greater objectivity, fairness and transparency when the BBC receives a complaint."
Today's announcement follows a three-month review of complaints handling by Byford. BBC secretary, Simon Milner, will lead the overall implementation of the arrangements in autumn alongside the new changes to governance outlined in the recent Building Public Value document.
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