This guidance provides editors and journalists with a framework for thinking through issues around the reporting of deaths and inquests and includes examples of relevant decisions by IPSO’s Complaints Committee.
Please note this guidance was updated 31st January 2023.
Clause 1 - Accuracy
Clause 4 - Intrusion into grief or shock
Other organisations offer guidance on deaths and inquests that you may wish to consult.
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.
press.office@attorneygeneral.gov.uk or phone 02072712479/02033570797/02045743168. Out of hours 07442315360
If you have an urgent media enquiry out of office hours, please contact the duty press officer. This number does not accept text messages.
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
communications@lullabytrust.org.uk or phone 0207 802 3202
The IPSO blog has a series of articles on the reporting of deaths and inquests:
IPSO Blog: Deaths and inquests guidance A summary of the new 2023 guidance for journalists and editors.
IPSO Blog: Reporting on inquests Key issues around reporting on inquests and what IPSO can do to help.
IPSO Blog: Reporting on a death Why journalists make approaches after a death, what the rules are, and how IPSO can help.
IPSO Blog: Reporting on a death with sympathy and sensitivity How to reach out to the recently bereaved.
The Independent Press Standards Organisation C.I.C. is a Community Interest Company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales with registered number 02538908.
