Statement of Arrangements, Policies & Personnel

UKPoliticsDecoded Standards & Governance Hub

1. Purpose of This Document

This Statement sets out the internal arrangements, responsibilities, and processes that ensure UKPoliticsDecoded complies with the IMPRESS Standards Code, maintains high editorial standards, and handles complaints and compliance matters effectively.

It is published to provide transparency for readers, contributors, partners, and regulators.

2. Publisher Identity

UKPoliticsDecoded is an independent, non‑profit civic information publisher focused on explaining UK political structures, processes, and public policy in clear, accessible terms.

The platform is operated by a single responsible individual, with future capacity for additional editors or contributors as the organisation grows.

3. Responsible Individual

Senior Responsible Person (SRP) for Legal & Standards Compliance

Name: Liam Gibbins

Role: Publisher & Editorial Lead

Responsibilities:

  • Ensuring compliance with the IMPRESS Standards Code
  • Overseeing editorial standards and accuracy
  • Managing complaints and corrections
  • Maintaining internal logs and records
  • Reporting compliance failures to IMPRESS
  • Ensuring contributors understand and follow the Code

If additional editors or contributors join the organisation, the SRP retains ultimate responsibility for Code compliance.

4. Internal Authority Structure

UKPoliticsDecoded currently operates with a streamlined structure appropriate for a small publisher.

4.1 Editorial Oversight

  • The SRP reviews all content prior to publication.
  • All articles are checked for accuracy, sourcing, neutrality, and compliance with the IMPRESS Standards Code.
  • Any contributor submissions are edited for clarity, fairness, and compliance.

4.2 Complaint Handling

  • The SRP receives, logs, and assesses all complaints.
  • Complaints are handled in accordance with the Complaints Policy.
  • All complaints are assessed against the IMPRESS Standards Code.
  • Where a complaint raises a potential Code breach, the SRP conducts a review and issues a written response.

4.3 Conflict of Interest Mechanism

Because UKPoliticsDecoded is currently operated by a single responsible individual, conflicts of interest are managed as follows:

  • If a complaint concerns content written by the SRP, or raises a conflict of interest, the SRP will not attempt to resolve the matter internally.
  • Instead, the complaint will be referred directly to IMPRESS for independent assessment.
  • This ensures impartiality and maintains public confidence in the complaints process.

This mechanism will be updated if additional editors join the organisation.

5. Complaint Handling Process

The following workflow applies to all complaints:

5.1 Receipt

  • Complaints may be submitted via the dedicated form or email address listed in the Complaints Policy.
  • All complaints are acknowledged within the timeframe specified in the policy.

5.2 Logging

Complaints are entered into the internal Complaint Log, including:

  • date received
  • complainant name (if provided)
  • article or material referenced
  • Code clauses engaged
  • summary of the issue

5.3 Assessment

  • The SRP assesses the complaint against the IMPRESS Standards Code.
  • Additional information may be requested from the complainant or contributors.

5.4 Response

  • A written response is issued within the timeframe set out in the Complaints Policy.
  • If a breach is identified, appropriate remedial action is taken (correction, clarification, removal, or apology).

5.5 Escalation

  • If the complainant is dissatisfied, they may escalate the matter to IMPRESS for independent resolution.

6. Compliance Failure Reporting

UKPoliticsDecoded is committed to transparency and accountability.

6.1 Internal Reporting

If a compliance failure is identified whether through a complaint, internal review, or contributor disclosure the SRP will:

  • record the issue in the Compliance Log
  • document the cause and any remedial steps
  • review whether policy changes are required

6.2 Reporting to IMPRESS

The SRP will report compliance failures to IMPRESS where required under the regulatory scheme, including:

  • serious or systemic breaches
  • repeated issues relating to the same Code clause
  • failures that materially affect public trust

7. Record Keeping

UKPoliticsDecoded maintains the following internal records:

7.1 Complaint Log

  • All complaints received
  • Code clauses engaged
  • Outcomes and responses

7.2 Corrections Register

  • All corrections and clarifications
  • Dates and reasons
  • Links to updated content

7.3 Compliance Log

  • Any identified Code breaches
  • Remedial actions taken
  • Reports made to IMPRESS

7.4 Editorial Decision Notes

  • Notes on complex editorial decisions
  • Public interest assessments
  • Privacy and intrusion considerations

These records are retained for a minimum of six years.

8. Delegation and Future Expansion

As UKPoliticsDecoded grows, additional roles may be introduced, such as:

  • Assistant Editors
  • Fact Checkers
  • Contributor Editors
  • Administrative Support

Any delegation of responsibilities will be:

  • documented in an updated version of this Statement
  • clearly communicated to IMPRESS
  • subject to oversight by the SRP

Ultimate responsibility for Code compliance remains with the SRP unless formally transferred.

9. Contributor Arrangements

Contributors must adhere to:

Contributors have the right to refuse any instruction that would breach the Code and are protected from detriment for raising concerns.

10. Review and Updates

This Statement is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains accurate, effective, and aligned with:

  • the IMPRESS Regulatory Scheme
  • best practice in public interest journalism
  • the operational needs of UKPoliticsDecoded

Updates will be published on this page.