At readingwire.co.uk, we are committed to publishing accurate, fair, and reliable journalism. We recognise that errors can occur, and when they do, we have a duty to our readers to correct them promptly, transparently, and with appropriate prominence. This Corrections Policy outlines our standards for identifying, reviewing, and rectifying mistakes in our published content.
Our commitment to accuracy
Accuracy is the foundation of trust between a news organisation and its audience. Our editorial team, led by Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Whitfield, works to ensure that every article meets rigorous standards before publication. However, despite our best efforts, errors may slip through. When we become aware of a significant factual error — whether through internal review, reader feedback, or external sources — we act without delay.
How to report an error
If you believe an article on readingwire.co.uk contains a factual error, please contact us directly at corrections@readingwire.co.uk. To help us investigate efficiently, please include:
- The full URL (web address) of the article in question
- A clear description of the alleged error and what you believe the correct information should be
- Your source or evidence for the correction, where possible
- Your name and a contact email address (optional, but helpful for follow-up)
You may also use our general contact email info@readingwire.co.uk, but corrections sent to the dedicated address will be prioritised by our standards desk.
How we handle corrections
All reported errors are reviewed by our Standards & Fact-Checking Lead, Thomas Ellery, and his team. You can learn more about our editorial team on our Our Team page. The process is as follows:
- Material errors — factual mistakes that change the meaning or accuracy of a story — are corrected in the article text. A correction note is appended at the top or bottom of the article, clearly stating: “Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated [issue]. The article was updated on [date].” The original error is not removed from the article’s history, but the correction is made visible to all readers.
- Update notes — when new information is added to an article that does not change the original factual accuracy, we add an update note with the date and a brief explanation of what was added.
- Minor errors — such as spelling mistakes, typographical errors, or grammatical issues that do not affect factual accuracy — are corrected silently without a public note.
Response time
We aim to acknowledge receipt of a correction request within five working days. Simple corrections may be resolved within that timeframe. More complex cases — those requiring additional research, source verification, or legal review — may take longer. In such instances, we will keep you informed of progress.
Serious errors and escalation
Errors that raise significant concerns about editorial integrity, legal liability, or public interest are escalated directly to Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Whitfield. These may include errors in investigative reporting, data journalism, or stories involving vulnerable individuals. In such cases, a full review is conducted, and the outcome — including any corrective action — is communicated transparently.
Related policies
This Corrections Policy is part of a broader framework of editorial standards. For further detail, please consult the following pages:
- Editorial Policy — our principles for news gathering and reporting
- Fact-Checking Policy — how we verify information before and after publication
- Complaints Procedure — how to raise concerns beyond factual errors
We value the trust our readers place in us and are committed to maintaining it through honest, accountable corrections. If you have any questions about this policy, please contact our standards desk at corrections@readingwire.co.uk.