Whistleblowing & IMPRESS Hotline

UKPoliticsDecoded Standards & Governance Hub

1. Purpose of This Page

This page explains how contributors, staff, volunteers, and members of the public can raise concerns about unethical behaviour, Code breaches, or improper conduct at UKPoliticsDecoded. It also provides direct access to the IMPRESS whistleblowing hotline, which offers an independent route for raising concerns safely and confidentially.

UKPoliticsDecoded is committed to transparency, accountability, and the protection of anyone who raises concerns in good faith.

2. What Is Whistleblowing?

Whistleblowing is the act of reporting concerns about:

  • breaches of the IMPRESS Standards Code
  • unethical editorial practices
  • attempts to distort or fabricate information
  • pressure to breach privacy or cause unjustified intrusion
  • discrimination, harassment, or unsafe working practices
  • any behaviour that undermines responsible journalism

Whistleblowing can be done anonymously. You do not need to prove wrongdoing, raising a concern in good faith is enough.

3. Your Rights as a Whistleblower

You Are Protected

Anyone who raises a concern is protected. UKPoliticsDecoded will not:

  • penalise you
  • dismiss you
  • remove opportunities
  • threaten you
  • discriminate against you
  • take any action to your detriment

This protection applies whether you raise concerns internally or directly with IMPRESS.

Contributors also have a contractual right to refuse any instruction that would breach the IMPRESS Standards Code.

4. Raising Concerns Internally

If you feel comfortable doing so, you may raise concerns directly with the Senior Responsible Person:

Senior Responsible Person (SRP)

Name: Liam Gibbins

Email: liamg@ukpoliticsdecoded.uk

Role: Publisher, Editorial Lead, Founder

Concerns raised internally will be handled confidentially and sensitively.

5. Raising Concerns Directly with IMPRESS (Independent Route)

If you prefer to raise concerns independently or if you feel unable to raise them internally, you can contact IMPRESS directly.

IMPRESS provides a confidential whistleblowing hotline for anyone working with or contributing to regulated publishers.

IMPRESS Whistleblowing Hotline

Phone

0800 221 8548

Website

https://www.impressorg.com/contact/

You may contact IMPRESS anonymously. They will listen to your concerns, provide guidance, and take action where appropriate.

6. What Happens After You Raise a Concern

Whether raised internally or via IMPRESS:

1

Your concern will be acknowledged

2

It will be assessed promptly

3

You may be asked for additional information (if you choose to provide it)

4

You will not face any detriment for raising the concern

5

Appropriate action will be taken where necessary

If the concern relates to a potential breach of the IMPRESS Standards Code, IMPRESS may investigate directly.

7. Confidentiality

Strict Confidentiality

All whistleblowing reports are treated with strict confidentiality. Your identity will not be shared without your explicit consent, unless required by law.

Anonymous reports are accepted and investigated wherever possible.

8. Our Commitment

UKPoliticsDecoded is committed to:

  • maintaining a safe and ethical environment for contributors
  • upholding the IMPRESS Standards Code
  • protecting whistleblowers from detriment
  • cooperating fully with IMPRESS in all whistleblowing matters
  • taking concerns seriously and acting on them promptly

If you have any concerns about our editorial practices, governance, or compliance, you are encouraged to raise them through whichever route feels safest.