MorningTimes.uk is committed to accuracy and transparency in all our journalism. This Fact-Checking Policy sets out the standards we apply before publication, the hierarchy of sources we rely on, and the procedures for handling reader reports and corrections. The policy is overseen by Helen Carver, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead, and applies to all content published by Windmill Hill Media Ltd., a private company limited by shares registered in Gibraltar (company number 130642).
Who is responsible for fact-checking at MorningTimes.uk?
Helen Carver, our Standards & Fact-Checking Lead, is responsible for overseeing all fact-checking procedures, source verification, and the review of corrections at MorningTimes.uk. She works with the editorial team to ensure every piece meets our accuracy standards before publication.
Helen reports directly to Editor-in-Chief Edward Sterling and coordinates with the Managing Editor and section editors on sensitive or high-stakes articles. All editors are trained in source evaluation and are expected to flag any claim that requires additional verification before publication.
What types of content do we verify before publication?
We verify official statements, financial figures, legal claims, health claims, stories involving minors, and any content that raises public safety or privacy concerns. Each category has specific checks applied by the relevant editor and, where necessary, by the Standards & Fact-Checking Lead.
For official statements we cross-reference with primary government press releases or Hansard records. Financial figures are checked against company filings at Companies House or other regulatory bodies. Legal claims require sight of court documents or verified legal filings. Health claims are reviewed with reference to peer-reviewed studies or official NHS guidance. Stories involving minors are reviewed to ensure no identifying details are published without appropriate consent and that safeguarding principles are respected. Public safety and privacy content is assessed for potential harm before publication.
What is our source hierarchy and how do we evaluate evidence?
We operate a clear source hierarchy: official government announcements and court documents are at the top, followed by company filings, expert testimony, first-hand reporting, and verified public statements. Each source is weighed according to its independence, authority, and verifiability.
Rumours and unverified claims are always clearly labelled as such, and we never present speculation as fact. Our full Sources & Standards page details how we assess different types of evidence for each beat. Editors are expected to justify why a particular source was chosen and to note any limitations or conflicts of interest.
Where an article relies on anonymous sources, we apply additional checks and require at least two independent corroborations before publication. The identity of the source is known to the editor and the Standards Lead but kept confidential where necessary.
How do we handle reader reports and corrections?
We encourage readers to report potential errors or questionable claims by emailing factcheck@morningtimes.uk. Each report is logged and reviewed by Helen Carver or a delegated editor within one working day.
If a mistake is confirmed, we publish a correction promptly and link to our Corrections Policy for full details on how corrections are handled and displayed. We also maintain a transparent record of significant corrections in the article itself. For guidance on our broader editorial standards, see the Editorial Policy and the Our Team page.
How do we ensure transparency in our fact-checking process?
We document the sources and verification steps for any article that involves sensitive claims, disputed facts, or significant public interest. These records are available to the editorial team and are reviewed by the Standards Lead before publication.
Sponsored or commercial content is never subject to the same fact-checking process in terms of editorial independence, but such material is clearly labelled and separated from our news reporting. Our Advertising & Affiliate Disclosure explains how commercial relationships are handled.
Our commitments
- We verify all factual claims before publication, using the most authoritative sources available.
- We label all rumours, speculation, and unverified information clearly as such.
- We respond to reader fact-check reports within one working day and issue corrections promptly when errors are confirmed.
- We publish a clear source hierarchy and make our verification process transparent to readers.
- We ensure that no commercial relationship influences editorial fact-checking conclusions.