The BBC has unveiled a new directory to help expand the number of black and Asian voices that get on to its airwaves.

It has been launched by its diversity department after repeated criticisms that BBC producers invite guests on to programmes from a very narrow range of contacts.

In particular the corporation has been attacked for allowing self-proclaimed 'community leaders' to represent British Asians and not having a wide range of opinion on television and radio shows.

The aim of Diverse Contributors Directory is not only to expand the range of voices talking about issues of race or religion, but also highlight expert voices in other fields that have nothing to do with ethnicity, disability, gender or religion.

Its editorial executive in the diversity department, Mary Fitzpatrick, told AIM magazine that it would be a valuable research tool for all producers.

"The focus of my role as editorial executive, Diversity, BBC Vision is to help production bring a greater range of voices and opinions to all of our programmes so I created the Diverse Contributors Directory as a research tool for both BBC in house and Independent production companies."

She added: "It is easily searchable for organisations and experts and also has practical tips about diverse casting,"

In addition to well known names such as author Gautam Malkani and presenter / DJ Bobby Friction, it lists lesser known names such as: Prof M C Wickramasinghe at Cardiff University, Professor of Applied Mathematics & Astronomy; Rokhsana Fiaz, founder of Change Institute; Sunder Katwala, general secretary of the Labour think-tank Fabian Society, and more.

The blurb inside the directory states: "Getting the diversity balance right by “normalising” and including those from minority groups will help to change society’s way of thinking about ethnicity and disability for the better."

"Disability and ethnicity should be regarded as a normal characteristic, instead of making disability or ethnicity the focus of the programme, aim to 'normalise' lives and personalities."

The directory can be found from here.