BBC Digital chief quits over talks with Pearson

A senior BBC executive has resigned as joint head of the corporation's education division after admitting he had acted improperly in preparing its bid for the Government's controversial £150m digital curriculum programme.

Michael Stevenson, joint director of factual and learning, quit after a BBC inquiry confirmed he had been wrong to hold talks about the project with a potential commercial partner, Pearson, before the Government approved the scheme.

The BBC said it was "impermissible" that Mr Stevenson held discussions with Pearson in the midst of legal action over the BBC's role in delivering the digital curriculum and ahead of clearance from ministers. Commercial educational software specialists, led by RM, have challenged the decision to award the BBC the deal.

The timing of his resignation surprised some critics coming several months after the BBC had admitted in court the discussions with Pearson had taken place and apologised for them. Clare Riley, the BBC's digital curriculum project director, has also resigned.

Mr Stevenson said: "I made an error of judgement."