📋 Editorial Standards

UKPoliticsDecoded is an independent, non‑profit publication dedicated to improving public understanding of UK politics, policy, and governance. Our mission is to provide clear, accessible, evidence based explainers that help readers navigate complex political information without spin, partisanship, or sensationalism.

To uphold this mission, we operate under a strict editorial framework designed to ensure accuracy, transparency, and accountability across all published content.

🔍 Accuracy & Verification

Accuracy is the foundation of our work. Every "Decoded" explainer follows a structured verification process:

Primary Sources First

We prioritise:

• Official government publications
• Parliamentary records
• ONS datasets
• NAO reports
• Independent research bodies (e.g., Centre for Cities, IFS, Resolution Foundation)

Audit Trails

Each explainer is supported by an internal audit trail linking every factual claim to a verifiable source. This ensures:

• Transparency
• Traceability
• Accountability
• Reproducibility of findings

No Anonymous Claims

We do not publish unverified claims, rumours, or unattributed statements.

Clear Distinction Between Facts and Interpretation

Where analysis or contextualisation is provided, it is clearly separated from factual reporting.

⚖️ Editorial Independence

UKPoliticsDecoded is:

• Independent
• Non‑profit
• Volunteer led
• Free from political party influence
• Free from corporate or government funding

Editorial decisions are made solely in the public interest. We do not accept funding or support that could compromise our independence.

🎯 Impartiality & Fairness

We do not take political positions.
We do not endorse parties, candidates, or campaigns.

Our explainers:

• Present evidence neutrally
• Avoid emotive framing
• Provide context without judgement
• Highlight limitations or uncertainties in data
• Represent opposing viewpoints where relevant

Our goal is clarity, not persuasion.

🔒 Privacy & Ethical Standards

We follow strict ethical guidelines to protect individuals' rights and dignity.

We do not:

• Publish personal information without consent
• Identify private individuals unnecessarily
• Use intrusive reporting methods
• Publish content that risks harm to vulnerable people

We do:

• Respect Clause 4 (Privacy) of the IMPRESS Standards Code
• Consider the potential impact of our reporting
• Remove or redact information where justified on ethical grounds

🔬 Transparency & Governance

Ownership

UKPoliticsDecoded is owned and operated by Mr. L. Gibbins.

Editorial Responsibility

Our Compliance Lead, Mr. Gibbins, oversees:

• Accuracy checks
• Source verification
• Privacy considerations
• Corrections and complaints
• Alignment with the IMPRESS Standards Code

Regulatory Alignment

We are currently preparing an application for formal regulation with IMPRESS, the UK's independent press regulator. Our internal processes are designed to meet the requirements of the IMPRESS Standards Code.

📝 Corrections Policy

We take accuracy seriously and correct errors promptly.

If we identify an error:

• It will be corrected as soon as possible
• A note will be added to the article explaining what was changed
• Significant corrections will be logged in a public corrections record

If you spot an error:

📋 Complaints Procedure

We welcome feedback and take complaints seriously.

How to make a complaint

Include:

• Your name
• The article URL
• The nature of your complaint
• The correction or action you are seeking
• Links to support the complaint

How we handle complaints

• We acknowledge receipt within 5 working days
• We provide a full response within 21 working days
• If you are not satisfied with our response, you may escalate the complaint to IMPRESS once we are formally regulated

For full details, see our Complaints Policy.

💰 Funding & Sustainability

UKPoliticsDecoded is volunteer‑run and non‑profit.

Any donations or revenue (if introduced in future) will be:

• Publicly disclosed
• Used solely to support operational costs
• Never accepted from political parties or lobbying groups

We maintain strict independence from all political and commercial interests.

🤖 AI Transparency

Where AI tools are used in drafting or research support, all editorial decisions, fact checking, and final approval are made by human editors. AI is never used to generate unsourced claims or political opinions.

📧 Contact