Former junior health minister Martin van Rijn will head a committee investigating the workplace culture at public broadcaster NPO set up in the wake of reports about the behaviour of star presenter Matthijs van Nieuwkerk.

Van Nieuwkerk, the former presenter of early evening talk show De Wereld Draait Door, ended his contract with broadcasting company BNN/VARA last week after the Volkskrant published extensive allegations of bullying by Van Nieuwkerk and senior editors on the programme.

NPO immediately commissioned an independent inquiry which has now been extended to cover its entire output after it received reports of excessive behaviour on other programmes.

The broadcaster said the committee chaired by Van Rijn would set up the terms of the investigation and offer guidance, supported by advisers such as Mariëtte Hamer, who was appointed as the government’s commissioner for tackling inappropriate behaviour and sexual violence earlier this year.

Online portal Mores.online, where people can report cases of excessive behaviour in the film, TV and theatre industry, will also advise the committee on how to frame the inquiry ‘to represent and protect the interests of those who come forward in the best way possible.’

The committee will also draw up an action plan to improve safety in media workplaces alongside its investigation.