Last updated: 22 October 2026

Trust is the foundation of everything we do. This Ethics Policy sets out the principles that every NationPulse journalist, editor and contributor follows. It works alongside our Editorial Policy and Corrections Policy.

1. Seek the truth and report it

  • We report as accurately, fully and fairly as we can, and we verify information before publishing it.
  • We never invent or embellish facts, quotes, sources, people or events.
  • We do not plagiarise. The work we publish is our own.
  • We do not alter photographs or video in a way that misleads readers.

2. Act independently

  • We do not accept money, gifts, favours, free travel or special treatment that could influence, or appear to influence, our coverage. Small items of token value may be accepted only where refusing would be impolite, and must be declared to an editor.
  • We do not allow advertisers, sponsors, owners, political interests or personal relationships to shape our reporting.
  • We never pay for information, and we never accept payment in return for publishing, changing or removing a story.

3. Avoid conflicts of interest

Journalists must declare to an editor any personal, financial, political or family interest connected to a story they are working on. Where a real or apparent conflict exists, the journalist steps away from the story. Staff may not use information gathered through their work for personal gain, including trading in shares they are reporting on.

4. Be fair

  • We give people who are the subject of serious allegations a fair chance to respond before publication.
  • We do not take quotes or facts out of context.
  • We treat everyone we report on with respect, regardless of their background, religion, ethnicity, gender, disability or beliefs, and we avoid stereotypes.

5. Minimise harm

  • We show compassion to people affected by tragedy, crime or disaster, and approach victims and grieving families with sensitivity.
  • We take special care when reporting on children and vulnerable people, and we do not identify children involved in crime, abuse or family disputes without strong public-interest justification.
  • We report suicide and self-harm responsibly, avoid describing methods, and include sources of help where appropriate.
  • We use graphic images only when they are essential to understanding a story, and we warn readers in advance.

6. Respect privacy

Everyone has a right to privacy. We intrude on it only when there is a clear public interest, for example to expose crime, serious wrongdoing, threats to public health or safety, or to prevent the public from being misled. We do not use deception or hidden recording except where the public interest is strong, the information cannot be obtained in any other way, and a senior editor has approved it.

7. Protect sources

We keep our promises to sources. When we agree to protect a source's identity, we do so. We are honest with sources about how their information will be used.

8. Be accountable

  • We explain our editorial choices to readers when asked.
  • We correct errors promptly and openly, in line with our Corrections Policy.
  • We welcome feedback and complaints and respond to them honestly.

Raising a concern

If you believe NationPulse or anyone working for us has breached this policy, please email contact@nationpulse.uk or use our Contact page. Every concern is reviewed by a senior editor.