Corrections Policy

UKPoliticsDecoded Standards & Governance Hub

Our Commitment to Accuracy

UKPoliticsDecoded is committed to providing clear, accurate, and evidence based explainers. When errors occur, we correct them transparently and promptly. All corrections are made directly within the original article, which remains publicly accessible as part of the historical record.

1. Our Approach to Corrections

We do not delete articles except in exceptional circumstances (e.g., legal requirements or serious privacy concerns). Instead, we update them so readers always have access to the most accurate version.

Transparency

All significant corrections are clearly marked and explained

Promptness

Errors are fixed as soon as we become aware of them

Integrity

Articles remain part of the public record with corrections applied in place

2. How We Handle Corrections

2.1 Immediate Updates

If we identify an error, whether factual, typographical, or contextual we update the article as soon as possible.

Corrections may include:

  • Fixing incorrect data
  • Updating outdated information
  • Clarifying ambiguous wording
  • Adding missing context
  • Correcting broken or outdated links

All updates are made with the goal of improving accuracy and clarity.

2.2 Correction Notes

When a correction materially changes the meaning or interpretation of a section, we add a correction note at the bottom of the article.

This note includes:

  • What was corrected
  • When it was corrected
  • Why the correction was necessary

Minor edits (e.g., typos, formatting, link fixes) may not receive a formal note unless they affect understanding.

2.3 Version Integrity

Our commitment:

  • We do not remove articles or replace them with new versions
  • Each explainer remains part of the public archive, with corrections applied in place

This ensures:

Transparency Accountability A clear historical record of our work

3. Types of Corrections

Major Corrections

Significant factual errors that affect the article's meaning

  • Incorrect statistics or data
  • Misattribution of quotes or policies
  • Factual inaccuracies about processes or events

Always receive a correction note

Minor Corrections

Small errors that don't change the article's meaning

  • Spelling and grammar errors
  • Formatting improvements
  • Link updates

May not receive a correction note

Content Updates

Adding new information or context as situations develop

  • Policy changes or updates
  • Additional context or clarification
  • Legislative developments

Noted as "Updated" with date

4. 📧 How to Request a Correction

If you believe an article contains an error, please contact us:

📧 Email: editor@ukpoliticsdecoded.uk

(or use complaints@ukpoliticsdecoded.uk)

Include:

  • The article URL
  • A description of the issue
  • Any supporting evidence or sources

We aim to acknowledge all correction requests within 5 working days and issue a full response within 21 working days.

5. Correction Assessment Process

1

Request Received

Correction request logged and acknowledged

2

Evidence Review

We examine the claim against our sources and external evidence

3

Editorial Decision

Determine whether correction is needed and the appropriate response

4

Implementation

Make correction, add note if necessary, and update records

5

Response

Inform the person who requested the correction of our action

6. ⚖️ Our Standards

Our corrections process aligns with:

Source Verification

We maintain internal audit trails for all explainers to ensure every factual claim is traceable to a primary source. This enables us to:

  • Quickly verify correction requests
  • Identify the source of any error
  • Update information when sources are revised
  • Maintain accountability for our reporting

7. Public Corrections Register

We maintain an internal register of all significant corrections for:

  • Internal quality control
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Pattern identification and prevention
  • Transparency reporting

Readers can view correction notes on individual articles, and significant corrections are available for review upon request.

8. When We Don't Make Corrections

We typically do not make corrections for:

  • Disagreements with editorial judgement or interpretation
  • Complaints that don't identify a factual error
  • Requests to update articles with new developments (unless the original content is now misleading)
  • Minor stylistic preferences

However, we will always explain our reasoning if we decline to make a correction.

9. Review and Updates

This corrections policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and aligned with:

  • The IMPRESS Standards Code
  • Best practice in digital journalism
  • Reader needs and expectations
  • Internal quality control processes

Updates to this policy will be published on this page.