Free, non-binding and confidential: IPSO offers advice to journalists ahead of publication

The IPSO team can advise on concerns about reporting, journalists’ conduct, and editorial decisions. They are guided by the standards of the Editors’ Code of Practice, the framework that underpins IPSO regulation. 

“Journalism in today’s world has become very demanding, with an ever-increasing pressure on reporters to produce stories quickly,” explained Alice Gould, Head of Complaints and Pre-Publication Services. “Our pre-publication advice line gives journalists quick, helpful support with their work if they are concerned about breaching the Editors’ Code of Practice.”  

The advice is free and given in confidence. It is also non-binding, so that editorial decision-making stays with the publisher. Alice Gould continues: “Our aim is for journalists to feel confident they have considered any Code issues in the work they are doing.” 

Richard Gurner, Editor of the Caerphilly Observer, said:

“A complicated licensing hearing for a pub, with several problematic issues relating to a potential criminal offence, meant it was difficult to navigate the story. Thanks to advice from IPSO, which was very thorough, we were able to safely report on the proceedings with confidence.” 

Our pre‑publication advice service can help reporters navigate public interest stories, which can often raise complex ethical questions. The Editors’ Code of Practice recognises that the public interest is an integral part of responsible journalism. Several clauses include a public interest exception, allowing justified public interest considerations to be taken into account when assessing compliance with the Code. Our team can help journalists think through these issues before publication, especially those in smaller newsrooms with less access to specialist advice. 

The Code explains:

“Editors invoking the public interest will need to demonstrate that they reasonably believed publication – or journalistic activity taken with a view to publication – would both serve, and be proportionate to, the public interest and explain how they reached that decision at the time.” 

If a publication wants to use a public interest defence, it’s important that it is considered before publication. Discussing ideas with IPSO can be a valuable part of that process, particularly when time or resources are short. Where we can, we will point journalists to relevant case studies so they can see how other organisations have approached similar challenges in the past.  

Complaints Officers can be contacted to discuss Editors’ Code of Practice issues during office hours via inquiries@ipso.co.uk or by phone: 0300 123 2220 for the pre-publication advice service. Out of hours, where necessary, a Complaints Officer on duty can be contacted via 07799 903 929. 

To find out more about our work and services for journalists, including workshops for journalists: please contact inquiries@ipso.co.uk.