How to Contribute to UKPoliticsDecoded

UKPoliticsDecoded Standards & Governance Hub

1. Welcome

UKPoliticsDecoded occasionally works with contributors who share our commitment to clarity, neutrality, and evidence based public interest journalism. While we do not operate an open submission model, we welcome expressions of interest from people who want to help explain UK politics in a way that is accessible, accurate, and free from partisanship.

This page explains how to contribute, what we look for, and the standards all contributors must follow.

2. What We Publish

Explainers

Clear, structured guides to political processes, institutions, and legislation

Civic Guides

Practical resources that help people understand their rights and democratic tools

Reform Proposals

Evidence based, non‑partisan proposals for improving political systems

Contextual Analysis

Neutral, fact driven analysis of political developments

We do not publish opinion pieces, partisan commentary, or advocacy content.

3. What We Look For in Contributors

We welcome contributors who:

  • write clearly and accessibly
  • enjoy explaining complex topics in plain language
  • are committed to neutrality and evidence
  • understand the importance of accuracy and sourcing
  • can work within the IMPRESS Standards Code
  • are comfortable with collaborative editing

You do not need to be an academic or professional writer, clarity and accuracy matter more than credentials.

4. Before You Contribute

Required Reading

All contributors must read and understand:

These documents explain the standards you must follow, your rights as a contributor, and the protections available to you including the right to refuse unethical instructions and access to the IMPRESS whistleblowing hotline.

5. How to Pitch an Idea

If you have an idea for an explainer or guide, you can send a short pitch including:

  • the topic you want to explain
  • why it matters
  • what readers will learn
  • any relevant expertise or experience
  • links to any previous writing (optional)

Pitches should be sent to:

Email: liamg@ukpoliticsdecoded.uk

Subject line: Pitch: [Your Topic]

We aim to respond within a reasonable timeframe, though response times may vary depending on workload.

6. What Happens After You Pitch

If your idea is accepted:

  1. We'll agree the scope — what the article will cover and what it won't.
  2. You'll draft the piece — following our standards and sourcing requirements.
  3. We'll edit collaboratively — ensuring clarity, neutrality, and Code compliance.
  4. We'll publish the article — with full credit to you as the contributor.

If your pitch isn't accepted, we'll let you know. Declined pitches are not a reflection on your ability, sometimes topics simply don't fit our editorial priorities.

7. Contributor Rights and Protections

Contributors have the right to:

  • refuse any instruction that would breach the IMPRESS Standards Code
  • raise concerns internally or via the IMPRESS whistleblowing hotline
  • be treated fairly and respectfully
  • retain copyright in their work (unless otherwise agreed)
  • receive clear editorial guidance and feedback

We are committed to maintaining a safe, ethical, and transparent environment for all contributors.

8. How We Work With Contributors

We aim to make the process collaborative and supportive. Contributors can expect:

Clear Editorial Expectations

We provide clear guidance on structure, style, and requirements

Constructive Feedback

We offer helpful, specific suggestions for improvement

Transparent Decision Making

We explain our editorial choices and reasoning

Respect for Your Time

We value your contribution and expertise

Quality Over Speed

We don't rush publication, accuracy and clarity come first

9. Not Sure Where to Start?

If you want to contribute but don't have a specific idea yet, you can still get in touch. We can:

  • suggest topics that need coverage
  • provide guidance on our style and structure
  • help you shape an idea into a publishable explainer

We're always happy to hear from people who want to help improve public understanding of UK politics.

10. Contact

If you're interested in contributing, or if you have questions about the process, you can reach us at:

Email: liamg@ukpoliticsdecoded.uk

Subject line: Contributor Enquiry

We look forward to hearing from you.