Director general Mark Thompson said an audit of the corporation's processes had led to the discovery of further "serious editorial breaches."

In an email to BBC staff, Thompson said he was looking at a "very significant plan of action" that would affect all staff.

The news comes as Thompson is to report to the BBC Trust about recent mistakes including scandals around Blue Peter and the Queen documentary clip, which was wrongly edited when shown to journalists, and made the monarch appear as though she had walked out of a photo shoot.

According to BBC website, Thompson said in the email that the corporation needs to put "its house in order". "We cannot allow even a small number of lapses, whether intentional or as a result of sloppiness, to undermine our reputation and the confidence of the public," it said.

Thompson is reportedly due to speak to all BBC staff later today following his meeting with the BBC Trust.