MorningTimes.uk’s reviews policy sets out the editorial principles, responsibilities and transparency measures that govern every review we publish. All reviews express the independent, honest judgement of our assigned reviewer and the editorial team, and are conducted in accordance with the standards overseen by Editor-in-Chief Edward Sterling.
Who is responsible for reviews at MorningTimes.uk?
The Editor-in-Chief, Edward Sterling, holds ultimate editorial responsibility for all reviews published by MorningTimes.uk. The publication is operated by Windmill Hill Media Ltd., a private company limited by shares registered in Gibraltar (company number 130642), with its registered office at Suite 12, Neptune House, Marina Bay, Gibraltar GX11 1AA. The editorial team, including Managing Editor Catherine Lowe and Standards & Fact-Checking Lead Helen Carver, ensures that every review meets our internal quality and integrity standards before publication.
Our full Editorial Policy and Our Team page provide further detail about the chain of editorial oversight and the individuals involved in review production.
What standards guide our reviews?
Every review at MorningTimes.uk is based on the genuine, informed opinion of the assigned reviewer, formed after direct experience with the product, service, or work under assessment. No external party, whether advertiser, sponsor, or public-relations firm, may dictate or influence the conclusion of a review. The reviewer’s evaluation is reviewed by the relevant section editor and, where appropriate, by Helen Carver’s standards team to confirm factual accuracy and compliance with our editorial code.
We follow the same sourcing and fact-checking protocols outlined in our Sources & Standards page. Any correction to a review is handled under our Corrections Policy and noted transparently.
How do we obtain products or access for reviews?
Reviews may be based on a variety of access methods: press screenings, advance digital streams, review copies, tickets to public releases, loaned products, or attendance at press events. In every case, the reviewer uses the item or attends the event under the same conditions as a regular consumer or critic, and the access method is noted in the review where relevant. Receipt of a review copy or press accreditation does not create any obligation on the part of MorningTimes.uk to publish a review, nor does it guarantee a particular tone or rating.
Where a product or experience has been provided free of charge for review purposes, this is disclosed clearly within the article, typically in a short statement near the beginning or end of the piece.
Does receiving review access guarantee positive coverage?
No. Access to products, screenings, or events never guarantees a positive review, a specific rating, or even that a review will be published. MorningTimes.uk’s editorial independence is absolute. The decision to commission, publish, or withhold a review rests solely with the editorial team based on newsworthiness, reader interest, and the quality of the reviewer’s assessment. Any suggestion that access or payment can influence editorial outcome is false and contrary to our operating principles.
This policy is enforced by Edward Sterling and the Managing Editor, and any breach must be reported immediately via our Complaints Procedure.
How do we disclose commercial relationships in reviews?
All commercial relationships that could affect the perceived independence of a review are disclosed. If a review contains affiliate links – through which MorningTimes.uk may earn a small commission on purchases – the article will include a clear affiliate disclosure. Sponsored content or paid partnerships are never presented as editorial reviews; such material is labelled and governed by our separate Sponsored Content Policy. Our Advertising & Affiliate Disclosure page explains these arrangements in full.
No advertiser or sponsor may review, approve, or alter a review before publication. The editorial team retains sole authority over all content decisions, and Helen Carver’s team monitors compliance with disclosure requirements.
How can sources or companies submit review enquiries?
Companies, publicists, and creators wishing to submit products, screeners, or event invitations for editorial consideration should contact our press team at press@morningtimes.uk. Submissions are evaluated on their relevance to our UK-focused readership and editorial priorities. We cannot guarantee a response, and submission does not imply any commitment to review.
For general editorial enquiries, including pitches for review assignments, the preferred contact is info@morningtimes.uk. Journalists and freelance contributors should consult our Tip Us page for guidance.
Our commitments
- Every review reflects the honest, independent judgement of the assigned reviewer and the editorial team, free from external influence.
- We disclose the method of access (review copy, screening, press pass, public release) and any material relationship with the reviewed entity.
- Reviews are subject to the same fact-checking and editorial standards as all other content, overseen by Helen Carver and the Editor-in-Chief.
- No advertiser, sponsor, or third party may dictate the content, rating, or publication timing of a review.
- We maintain a clear separation between editorial reviews and any commercial or sponsored content, with full disclosure via our published policies.