The IJSC Code of Standards
Independent journalism deserves clear principles.
The IJSC's 29-point Code of Standards sets out the editorial principles every accredited member commits to. It is the IJSC's own published framework, informed by established journalism ethics and the recognised principles of responsible reporting.
About this code
The IJSC is an independent, voluntary standards and membership organisation. This Code is the IJSC's own editorial standards framework. It is informed by long-established journalism ethics and the practice of responsible reporting, and it is set out here so that members and the public can read exactly what accreditation requires.
It is not a copy of, or a substitute for, the recognition criteria used to assess press regulators under Royal Charter arrangements, nor does the IJSC claim statutory or Royal Charter recognition. The Code addresses the conduct of individual journalists and publishers, which is a separate matter from the recognition of regulatory bodies.
Seven areas of professional responsibility
The 29 standards are organised across seven core pillars of editorial responsibility. Every accredited member agrees to observe these principles.
- Standard 1 of 29 · AccuracyIJSC Code
Duty of Accuracy
Members take all reasonable steps to ensure that published material is accurate, factual, and not misleading. Instantaneous digital or broadcast updates must adhere to the same standards of factual accuracy.
- Standard 2 of 29 · AccuracyIJSC Code
Prominent Corrections
A significant inaccuracy, misleading statement, or distorted report must be corrected promptly and with appropriate prominence, including a clear dated editorial note.
- Standard 3 of 29 · AccuracyIJSC Code
Distinguishing Fact & Allegation
Reporting must clearly distinguish between established facts, unproven allegations, conjectures, and opinions.
- Standard 4 of 29 · AccountabilityIJSC Code
Right of Reply
Fair opportunity to reply to significant allegations of wrongdoing or critical assertions must be given before publication where practicable.
- Standard 5 of 29 · AccountabilityIJSC Code
Engagement with Complaints
Members operate a transparent, accessible complaints mechanism and co-operate fully and in good faith with the IJSC complaints process.
- Standard 6 of 29 · AccountabilityIJSC Code
Public Correction Register
Members maintain a public record or log of substantive editorial corrections and clarifications.
- Standard 7 of 29 · IndependenceIJSC Code
Editorial Independence
Members must not allow commercial, political, personal, or third-party financial interests to dictate, influence, or distort editorial decisions.
- Standard 8 of 29 · IndependenceIJSC Code
Disclosure of Conflicts
Material conflicts of interest, sponsored content, or commercial relationships relevant to the coverage must be clearly and prominently disclosed to the public.
- Standard 9 of 29 · IndependenceIJSC Code
Payments & Gifts
Members do not accept gifts, hospitality, or payments that compromise or appear to compromise their editorial integrity or impartiality.
- Standard 10 of 29 · Fairness & HarmIJSC Code
Privacy & Respect
Invasions of privacy are justified only where there is a clear, overriding public interest. Private lives, correspondence, and digital data are protected.
- Standard 11 of 29 · Fairness & HarmIJSC Code
Intrusion into Grief & Shock
Inquiries and reporting involving bereavement, trauma, or personal tragedy must be made with sensitivity and discretion.
- Standard 12 of 29 · Fairness & HarmIJSC Code
Harassment & Stalking
Journalists must not engage in intimidation, persistent doorstepping, or harassment after being asked to desist, unless an exceptional public interest exists.
- Standard 13 of 29 · Fairness & HarmIJSC Code
Children & Minors
Children under 16 must not be interviewed or photographed regarding welfare or crime without parental or guardian consent, except under strict public interest grounds.
- Standard 14 of 29 · Fairness & HarmIJSC Code
Protection of Vulnerable Individuals
Care must be taken when reporting on individuals in state care, medical treatment, or suffering from mental health crises.
- Standard 15 of 29 · Fairness & HarmIJSC Code
Suicide & Self-Harm
Reporting on suicide or self-harm must avoid explicit detail of the method or location to prevent imitation, providing support signposting where relevant.
- Standard 16 of 29 · Fairness & HarmIJSC Code
Discrimination & Incitement
Members must avoid publishing material that incites hatred, violence, or discrimination based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age.
- Standard 17 of 29 · Sourcing & GatheringIJSC Code
Protection of Sources
Members have a moral obligation to protect confidential sources of information who speak on condition of anonymity.
- Standard 18 of 29 · Sourcing & GatheringIJSC Code
Subterfuge & Undercover Operations
Misrepresentation, secret recording, or deception is acceptable only when material cannot be obtained by open means and a strong public interest applies.
- Standard 19 of 29 · Sourcing & GatheringIJSC Code
Payment for Informants in Legal Cases
Payments or promises of payment to witnesses or potential witnesses in active criminal proceedings are strictly prohibited.
- Standard 20 of 29 · Sourcing & GatheringIJSC Code
Verification of User-Generated & AI Content
Digital material, social media footage, and AI-generated content must be rigorously verified before publication, disclosing AI use where material.
- Standard 21 of 29 · Sourcing & GatheringIJSC Code
Citing Sources & Attributing Credit
Material originated by other journalists, publications, or researchers must be appropriately acknowledged and attributed without plagiarism.
- Standard 22 of 29 · Legal & Public InterestIJSC Code
Contempt of Court & Fair Trial
Members respect legal restrictions, reporting bans, and the sub judice rule to preserve the right to a fair trial in judicial proceedings.
- Standard 23 of 29 · Legal & Public InterestIJSC Code
Anonymity of Victims of Sexual Offences
Victims and alleged victims of sexual offences must not be identified in reporting unless legally permitted or explicitly consented to.
- Standard 24 of 29 · Legal & Public InterestIJSC Code
National Security & Public Safety
Reporting involving national security, ongoing counter-terrorism operations, or public emergencies must weigh public safety carefully against disclosure.
- Standard 25 of 29 · Legal & Public InterestIJSC Code
Public Interest Definition & Test
Public interest includes detecting or exposing crime or serious impropriety, protecting public health and safety, and preventing the public from being misled.
- Standard 26 of 29 · Institutional IntegrityIJSC Code
Integrity of Accreditation
Members must not misrepresent their accreditation status, card permissions, or regulatory standing to the public or authorities.
- Standard 27 of 29 · Institutional IntegrityIJSC Code
Display of Accreditation Seal
The IJSC accreditation badge and link to the public verification register must be displayed in accordance with official usage guidelines.
- Standard 28 of 29 · Institutional IntegrityIJSC Code
Continuing Professional Development
Members engage in ongoing review of editorial ethics, standards, and legal compliance, including voluntary assessment and training modules.
- Standard 29 of 29 · Institutional IntegrityIJSC Code
Compliance with Sanctions
Members accept and enforce sanctions, adjudications, and directives issued by the IJSC independent complaints panel.
How the code is upheld
The code is upheld through the IJSC complaints process. Any person may raise a complaint about a member's conduct or published work. Complaints are acknowledged, investigated by the secretariat, and — where they cannot be resolved — referred for an independent determination.
An independent complaints panel is being appointed to determine contested cases. Until that panel is operational, complaints are administered by the secretariat under the published procedures. Outcomes may range from a published correction or upheld finding, through to suspension and removal from the register, and are documented and, where appropriate, published in summary form.