Code of Practice
1. Public Interest
In some circumstances, there is a public interest justification for newsgathering in a certain way or publishing certain information that may otherwise breach the code. Where a public interest exception may apply, this is identified in the relevant clause with an asterisk. Public interest includes but is not limited to exposing or discussing crime, incompetence or unethical behaviour, correcting misleading information shared by others, revealing organisational or personal failure to comply with professional or legal obligations, government, justice, national security and public health anf safety.
2. Accuracy
We take care not to publish inaccurate, misleading or distorted information or images, including headlines not supported by text. A significant inaccuracy will be corrected, promptly and with due prominence, and an apology shared if suitable.
3. Privacy*
Everyone is entitled to respect for their private and family life, home, health and correspondence, including digital communications and we can be asked to justify intrusions.
4. Harassment*
We don't engage in intimidation, harassment or persistent pursuit and if requested, must identify ourselves by name and as a Voiced representative.
5. Sources
We will agree the level of anonymity a source prefers and protect it at all costs.
6. Dicrimination
We won't make derogatory reference to a person on the basis of their age, disability, mental health, gender reassignment or identity, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation or another characteristic that makes that person vulnerable to discrimination.
7. Children*
Unless there is an exceptional public interest, we only record or publish interviews with or photos or videos of a child under the age of 16 years with the consent of the child or a responsible adult and if this is not detrimental to the health and safety of the child. We consider the age and capacity of the child to consent. Unless there is a harm to the health and safety of a child, this does not apply to images or videos of general scenes.
8. Justice*
We won't significantly impede or obstruct criminal investigations or prejudice criminal proceedings. We won't ientify under-18s inolved in criminal proceedings unless permitted by law. We anonymise victims of sexual offences, except as permitted by law or with the express consent of the person. We don't pay or offer to pay witnesses or defendants in criminal proceedings, except as permitted by law.