1. Purpose of This Policy
This policy sets out how UKPoliticsDecoded upholds the IMPRESS Standards Code ("the Code") across all editorial activity. It explains the principles that guide our journalism, the processes we follow to ensure accuracy and fairness, and the standards contributors must meet when working with us.
Our aim is to provide readers, contributors, and regulators with a clear understanding of how we maintain responsible, evidence based, and transparent public interest journalism.
2. Commitment to the IMPRESS Standards Code
- All content published by UKPoliticsDecoded is governed by the IMPRESS Standards Code.
- The Code is used to assess all complaints relating to material first published on or after 24 July 2017.
- For material published before that date, the Editors' Code of Practice applies (UKPoliticsDecoded does not currently publish pre 2017 material).
- Contributors may follow additional internal guidelines, but only complaints that engage the IMPRESS Code will be considered under the regulatory scheme.
Our editorial decisions are guided by the Code's principles of accuracy, fairness, respect for privacy, and public accountability.
3. Accuracy and Verification
Accuracy is the foundation of our work. We ensure this by:
- Verifying factual claims using reliable, authoritative sources.
- Distinguishing clearly between fact, analysis, and interpretation.
- Providing context to avoid misleading impressions.
- Maintaining transparent sourcing practices.
- Correcting significant inaccuracies promptly and openly.
Where uncertainty exists, we prioritise caution and clarity. We avoid speculation, unsupported claims, or ambiguous sourcing.
4. Fairness, Balance, and None Discrimination
UKPoliticsDecoded maintains a neutral, non‑partisan editorial tone. We are committed to:
- Treating individuals and groups fairly.
- Avoiding discriminatory or prejudicial language.
- Ensuring criticism is evidence based and proportionate.
- Providing sufficient context to avoid misrepresentation.
We do not publish material that risks unjustified harm to reputation or that unfairly targets individuals or groups.
5. Privacy and Intrusion
We respect the privacy rights of individuals and avoid unnecessary intrusion into private lives.
Intrusion may only be justified where:
- There is a clear and demonstrable public interest, and
- The intrusion is proportionate to that interest.
We take particular care when:
- Individuals have expressed a desire for no press intrusion.
- Reporting on private individuals not engaged in public life.
- Handling sensitive personal information.
A separate Privacy & Intrusion Guidance page provides detailed principles and examples.
6. Children and Vulnerable People
We apply heightened protections when content involves:
- Children and young people
- Individuals lacking capacity
- Victims of crime
- People experiencing trauma or distress
We avoid identification unless there is an overriding public interest and take steps to minimise potential harm.
7. Use of Publicly Available Information
Even when information is publicly accessible, we consider:
- Whether publication could cause disproportionate harm
- Whether the individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy
- Whether the public interest justifies publication
We do not publish personal data simply because it is available elsewhere.
8. Use of AI Tools
AI tools may support research, drafting, or editing, but:
- All published content is reviewed and approved by a human editor.
- AI generated text is never published without human oversight.
- AI tools are not used to fabricate facts or simulate evidence.
- Contributors must disclose any use of AI in their workflow.
Human editorial judgement remains central to all published work.
9. Corrections and Accountability
If a significant inaccuracy is identified:
- It will be corrected promptly.
- A correction notice will be added to the article.
- A record will be kept in the internal corrections log.
Where appropriate, we will notify IMPRESS of compliance failures in line with our regulatory obligations.
10. Complaints Handling
Complaints are assessed in accordance with our Complaints Policy, which explains:
- How to submit a complaint
- How complaints are logged and assessed
- How responses are issued
- When complaints are escalated to IMPRESS
All complaints are evaluated against the IMPRESS Standards Code.
11. Contributor Responsibilities
All contributors must:
- Adhere to this policy and the IMPRESS Standards Code
- Ensure accuracy, fairness, and responsible sourcing
- Respect privacy and avoid unjustified intrusion
- Disclose conflicts of interest
- Cooperate with corrections and clarifications
- Follow ethical and legal requirements
Contributors have the right to refuse any instruction that would breach the Code and are protected from detriment for raising concerns.
12. Review and Updates
This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure continued alignment with:
- The IMPRESS Standards Code
- Best practice in public interest journalism
- The evolving needs of our readers and contributors
Updates will be published on this page.