IPSO appoints new Standards Investigation panellists

Standards Investigation panellists can be called on by IPSO's Board to investigate serious editorial concerns

The Standards Investigation Panel exists to investigate serious failures in editorial standards.

The new panellists are:

  • Andrew Baum, senior solicitor with the Financial Conduct Authority
  • Adam Baxter, former Director for Standards and Audience Protection at Ofcom
  • Andy Brennan, former senior investigating officer with West Yorkshire Police and former IPSO Complaints Committee member
  • Peter Clifton, former Editor-in-Chief of PA Media
  • Unyime Davies, barrister
  • Janine Green, antisocial behaviour and community safety consultant
  • Richard Neville, a director of Neville Robertson Communications. Former Head of News Brands at DC Thomson Media and Editor of the Dundee Courier
  • Marianna Partasides, former Executive News Editor at Mail Online
  • Patrick Phelvin, former group editor for Trinity Mirror and Local World

Adam Baxter said:

“I know from personal experience the importance of strong, effective and independent regulation. I therefore welcome the opportunity to help IPSO deliver on its important remit.”

Janine Green said:

“The information we consume in the media shapes our thoughts and perspectives; there has never been a more important time to ensure that what we read is accurate, whilst also protecting the important right to freedom of speech.

“I am delighted to be appointed to the panel and look forward to supporting IPSO in ensuring that professional standards are upheld.”

Peter Clifton added:

“IPSO plays a vital role upholding high editorial standards and I am absolutely delighted to have a role that can help maintain those standards and champion freedom of expression.”

In the event that the IPSO Board decides a Standards Investigation is warranted, it will convene a Standards Investigation panel comprising two lay members and one editorial member.

This might happen where there has been, for example, serious and systemic breaches of the Editors’ Code; failure to comply with requirements of the Board; issues of concern identified in an annual statement; or where IPSO identifies substantial legal or Code compliance issues.

The panel will review evidence, undertake interviews with the publisher and third parties, if required, and produce a report for the Board detailing the outcomes of the investigation and their conclusions.

Head of Standards and Regulation Rosemary Douce said:

“The new panellists joining IPSO represent a diverse range of professional backgrounds, united by a passion for good regulation and an eye for detail.

“There has been an outstanding level of professional experience put forward among applicants and I’m delighted we have a pool of panellists with such a broad range of expertise.

“In the event of serious editorial concerns, these panellists have the skills and experience to investigate.”

The new appointments join existing panellists Rachel Childs, Dermott Horrigan, Tom Manson and Suzanne McCarthy.

Read more about the panellists and their role here.