Resources and guidance

This section is for journalists and publishers who are looking for guidance and resources on specific issues. It includes guidance produced by IPSO on how the Editors' Code applies to different topics as well as resources from external organisations which are separate to the Editors' Code but may be helpful when reporting on sensitive or challenging topics.

If you are a member of the public and want to know more about how to deal with a particular topic, we have specialist guidance available on a range of subjects available via the link below.

 

Pre-publication advice

IPSO offers editors and journalists from regulated publishers non-binding advice on the Editors’ Code or the public interest, if they have any concerns about articles prior to publication. Complaints Officers can be contacted to discuss Code issues during office hours via 0300 123 2220. Out of hours, where necessary, a Complaints Officer on duty can be contacted via 07799 903 929.

 

Training (in person or online)

We can support all regulated publishers, large or small, with bespoke newsroom training on the Editors’ Code and how to handle complaints effectively for editors, managers and for journalists.

Our training provides more information about IPSO, explains our complaints process, and highlights key decisions by the Complaints Committee, so that editors and journalists can understand how IPSO approaches difficult issues.

For more information, or to arrange training, contact Rosemary Douce, Standards Officer.

IPSO guidance for journalists and editors

IPSO guidance explains how the Code applies to particular issues. It does not replace or supersede the Editors’ Code, but is designed to support editors and journalists reporting on particular issues. It does not limit or restrict editorial decision making, but may inform that decision making.

External resources

The following organisations offer guidance and advice for journalists and other media resources, along with numbers of press offices, which you may find useful for a variety of topics. Journalists are not obliged to follow these guidelines, which are separate to the Editors' Code of Practice but may find it useful to do so when reporting on sensitive and challenging topics.

Please note that inclusion of guidelines on this page does not mean an endorsement of their content. 


A - D

Ageing and older age

The Centre for Ageing Better and the Older People's Commissioner for Wales have produced guidance on reflecting the experiences of older people.

Media guidelines

Centre for ageing better website 

media@ageing-better.org.uk or phone 07795 620 698 for media enquiries

Older People's Commissioner for Wales website

ask@olderpeoplewales.com or phone 03442 640 670 for media enquiries

Childhood abuse

The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) is a national charity which offers support to adult survivors of all types of childhood abuse, including physical, sexual and emotional abuse and neglect.

Media guidelines

Website

media@napac.org.uk 

Court reporting

The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) is a ministerial department which provides legal advice and support to the Attorney General and the Solicitor General (the Law Officers) who give legal advice to government.

Media guidelines

Website

press.office@attorneygeneral.gov.uk or phone 020 7271 2479 / 020 3357 0797 / 020 4574 3168 

(Out of hours: 0794 4873967) If you have an urgent media enquiry out of office hours, please contact the duty press officer. This number does not accept text messages.

Data protection

The Information Commissioner’s Office is the UK’s independent authority set up to uphold information rights in the public interest, promoting openness by public bodies and data privacy for individuals. It regulates data protection legislation in the UK, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018).

Data Protection and Journalism code of practice

To contact the ICO press office, please telephone 0303 123 9070 (media only), or  email pressoffice@ico.org.uk.

Main website

Defence and security

The DSMA-Notice System provides advice and guidance to the media about defence and security information, the publication or broadcast of which would damage national security, the Critical National Infrastructure or endanger lives. The system is voluntary and has no legal authority. The final responsibility for publishing or broadcasting rests solely with the editor, journalist or publisher concerned. 

Secretary@dsma.uk (24/7 contact) or phone 020 7218 2206

Website

Domestic abuse

Level Up is a feminist community working to challenge sexism in culture and media. Working with victims' families, Level Up aim to improve the way domestic violence is reported in the media through campaigns, resources and training.

Media guidelines

media@welevelup.org or phone 07922 899 274

The Mankind Initiative operates a confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence across the UK as well as their friends, family, neighbours, work colleagues and employers. They regularly work with the media to highlight the issues facing male victims of domestic abuse and can supply an experienced spokesperson, statistics and case studies.

Website: https://www.mankind.org.uk/

Members of the media can call 07834 452357 or e-mail chairman@mankind.org.uk

Refuge is a national charity supporting those who have experienced domestic violence, sexual violence, “honour” based violence, forced marriage, FGM, human trafficking and modern slavery, as well as some men escaping domestic violence. They run a 24-hour National Domestic Violence helpline.

Website

press@refuge.org.uk or phone 0207 395 7731. 

Savera UK is a national charity working to end culturally specific abuse in the UK, including ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA), forced marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM). It campaigns to eliminate HBA and harmful practices and provides life-saving services to survivors and those at risk, regardless of age, culture, sexuality, or gender.  

Email: press@saverauk.co.uk

Guidelines: https://www.saverauk.co.uk/hba-harmful-practice-media-guidelines/

Victim Support is a charity in England and Wales which supports people who have been affected by a crime or traumatic event. They are one of the biggest providers of Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVA) services across England and Wales.

Website

press@victimsupport.org.uk or phone 020 7268 0202 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm)

Women’s Aid is the national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children and is a federation of just under 170 organisations which provide local lifesaving services to women and children across the country. Support services include the Live Chat Helpline and the Survivors’ Forum, and the charity provides media training and guidance to journalists.

Media guidelines

Website

press@womensaid.org.uk 
or phone 0207 566 2511

Zero Tolerance is a Scottish charity committed to ending violence against women through tackling gender inequality. They work proactively with the media and have a variety of resources that can help journalists and editors.

Media guidelines

info@zerotolerance.org.uk 

Website

E - H

Gypsies and Travellers

Travellers' Times has produced a press pack to support journalists.

Press pack

Website

Contact

HIV

National AIDS Trust is the UK’s HIV rights charity. They work to stop HIV from standing in the way of health, dignity and equality, and to end new HIV transmissions.

Media guidelines

Website

press@nat.org.uk (press office) or phone 07384 390 624

I - M

Journalist Safety

The Rory Peck Trust is dedicated to the support, safety and welfare of freelance journalists worldwide. Their mission is to support and protect freelance journalists and to enable them to keep telling the stories that the world needs to hear.

Media resources: https://rorypecktrust.org/how-we-help/freelance-resources/

Website: https://rorypecktrust.org/

info@rorypecktrust.org or phone +44 (0)203 219 7860

Mental health

Mind is a national charity which provides help and support to people with mental health problems. Mind comment on breaking news and can provide interviews, case studies and information on their latest news and campaigns. Mind also provide tips on how to report on mental health.

Media guidelines

Website

media@mind.org.uk or phone 07850 788514 for media enquiries.

 

N - R

People affected by crime

Victim Support is a charity in England and Wales which supports people who have been affected by a crime or traumatic event. They also offer specialist services for those affected by terror attacks.

Website

press@victimsupport.org.uk or phone 020 7268 0202 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm)

Victim Support Scotland is a Scottish charity which supports people who have been affected by a crime. Due to the confidential and sensitive nature of their services, VSS is unable to provide information or comment on individual cases, nor can they comment on court decisions.

Website

Carol Eden -Head of Communications and External Affairs

07551-371444

carol.eden@victimsupportsco.org.uk

Professional bodies

The Architects Registration Board (ARB) is the independent regulator of the UK’s architects. Their information pack contains advice on how to accurately and correctly describe how architects are regulated in the UK.

Media guidelines

Website

media@arb.org.uk or phone: 020 7580 5861

Religion

Religion Media Centre is an independent organisation helping journalists to cover religion. They can provide background information and commentators. The website has fact sheets and they also offer training for journalists.

Website

info@religionmediacentre.org.uk or phone 0203 970 0709

The Church of England  

https://www.churchofengland.org/

https://www.churchofengland.org/media-and-news/media-centre

The Catholic Church in England and Wales

https://www.cbcew.org.uk/

https://www.cbcew.org.uk/home/contact-and-legal/contact-us/

Jehovah's Witnesses 

https://www.jw.org/en/

https://www.jw.org/en/resources-for-journalists/

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) 

Website

media@mcb.org.uk  or 0845-2626786

media hub  

The Board of Deputies of British Jews 

https://bod.org.uk/

Publications - Board of Deputies of British Jews (bod.org.uk)

The Network of Sikh Organisations (NSO) 

Media guidelines

Website

info@nsouk.co.uk or phone 0208 5404148

The Sikh Press Association works to represent the Sikh Community and provide accurate multimedia content for the mainstream media globally.

Website

Media@SikhPA.com or phone 07723 966 776

S - Z

Science

The Science Media Centre is an independent press office helping to ensure that the public have access to the best scientific evidence and expertise through the news media when science hits the headlines. They produce a number of publications aimed at journalists including factsheets and briefing notes produced in consultation with top scientists and specialist media professionals.

Media guidelines

Website

smc@sciencemediacentre.org or phone 020 7611 8300

Sudden infant death

The Lullaby Trust raises awareness of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), provides expert advice on safer sleep for babies and offers emotional support for bereaved families.

Media guidelines

Website

communications@lullabytrust.org.uk
 or phone 0207 802 3202 (out of hours  0786 0178 605)

Survivors of sexual offences

Heard – A Different Take on Sexual and Domestic Abuse is an On Road Media project that brings media influencers together with people with experience of sexual violence and domestic abuse, and/or who work in the sector, promoting new content and a better understanding of the issues.

Resources

Website

info@heard.org.uk or phone 020 3559 6764

Rape Crisis England & Wales is the umbrella body for a network of Rape Crisis Centres in England and Wales. These are women-led and offer support, advocacy, counselling and information in a women-only safe space. Some provide separate space for male sexual violence survivors

Website

media@rapecrisis.org.uk 

Get informed | Rape Crisis England & Wales  

SurvivorsUK is a UK organisation supporting men who have experienced both childhood sexual abuse and adult sexual assault/rape. They are an inclusive service and welcome anyone who identifies as male, trans, non-binary, has identified as male in the past, or anyone who feels that they are the right fit for them.

Website

james.mackinnon@survivorsuk.org or phone 020 3598 3898

The Survivors Trust is a UK-wide national umbrella agency for 130 specialist organisations which provide support for the impact of rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse throughout the UK and Ireland.

Website

Media enquiries | The Survivors Trust 

info@thesurvivorstrust.org or phone 01788 550554

Suicide prevention

PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide is a national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide.

Media guidelines

Website

pressoffice@papyrus-uk.org or phone 07799 863 321

Samaritans is national charity which provides 24/7 emotional support to people who are in distress or feeling suicidal. Samaritans also offers pre-print advice service and training on suicide reporting for journalists. In August 2020 they launched revised guidelines and an online hub of resources.

Media guidelines

Website

press@samaritans.org or contact (0)20 8394 8300

Suicide Reporting Toolkit is a practical resource for journalists and journalism educators to assist in reporting suicide responsibly. It embeds global media reporting guidelines on suicide within journalism practice.

Website