Editorial and Corrections Policy

This policy governs everything published under the SJCare Foundation name. It exists so that readers can judge how a story was produced and so that staff have a clear standard to work to.

Independence

Editorial decisions are taken by the editorial team. Donors, trustees and management do not see a story before publication and cannot alter it. Where a story concerns the foundation itself, the decision to publish is taken by the board and the connection is disclosed in the story.

Verification

Before publication we require that a claim be supported by a document, a public record, or a first-hand account that we have tested. A single unverified allegation is not enough to publish. Where we cannot verify a claim but judge it to be in the public interest to report, we say clearly what is unverified and why we are reporting it.

Sourcing

We prefer named sources and on-the-record accounts. Anonymity is granted where a person would face a real risk to their safety, their employment or their liberty. The reason for anonymity is explained to the reader. We do not invent sources, composite characters or dramatise events.

Right of reply

Any person or institution facing a significant criticism is given a reasonable opportunity to respond before publication, with a clear deadline and a clear summary of what is alleged. Their response, or a note that they did not respond, is published fairly and at the same prominence.

Corrections

When we get something wrong we correct it promptly and openly. The procedure is set out in our corrections policy.

Language

We write in plain language. We describe conduct and its consequences rather than using labels. We do not use a person suffering or death as spectacle, and we do not identify a victim of abuse without informed consent.

Review

Published stories may be updated as a matter develops. A material update is noted at the foot of the story with the date and what changed.