Scribe

Editorial Standards Policy

1.1 Purpose

SCRIBE publishes research, analysis, commentary, campaign material and educational resources concerning better, more inclusive, more equal and more private ways of living.

Our editorial objective is straightforward:

We make a serious and honest effort to publish material that is accurate, fair, understandable and useful.

We recognise that no publisher is infallible. Evidence may be incomplete, sources may conflict, circumstances may change and conclusions may later require revision.

1.2 Accuracy

Before publishing a factual claim, SCRIBE will make reasonable efforts appropriate to the nature and importance of the claim.

These efforts may include:

  • searching for relevant information;
  • consulting primary or authoritative sources where available;
  • comparing multiple sources;
  • checking dates, names, quotations and figures;
  • distinguishing evidence from interpretation;
  • seeking specialist review where proportionate;
  • inviting a response from a person or organisation facing serious criticism.

The level of checking will depend on the material. A major research report or serious allegation should receive more scrutiny than an informal essay or clearly labelled opinion article.

1.3 Types of content

SCRIBE may publish:

  • research papers;
  • literature reviews;
  • evidence summaries;
  • working papers;
  • briefing papers;
  • policy proposals;
  • cultural or historical analysis;
  • opinion and commentary;
  • campaign material;
  • interviews;
  • lived-experience accounts;
  • educational resources;
  • organisational statements.

Where reasonably necessary, material will be labelled so that readers can understand what kind of publication it is.

1.4 Fact, interpretation and opinion

SCRIBE aims to distinguish between:

  • verified or well-supported facts;
  • interpretations of evidence;
  • organisational positions;
  • individual opinions;
  • lived experiences;
  • hypotheses;
  • unresolved questions.

An argument may be forceful without being presented as an established scientific fact.

1.5 Sources

Sources should be represented honestly and in context.

SCRIBE will not knowingly:

  • invent a source;
  • fabricate a quotation;
  • manufacture data;
  • materially alter a quotation’s meaning;
  • cite a source as supporting a conclusion it does not support;
  • describe material as peer reviewed when it has not undergone genuine peer review;
  • present advocacy as independent empirical research without appropriate disclosure.

Anonymous or confidential sources may be used where their information is important and there is a legitimate reason to protect their identity. SCRIBE should make reasonable efforts to assess the source’s reliability.

1.6 Fairness and right of reply

SCRIBE may criticise ideas, institutions, practices and public claims.

Where an identifiable person or organisation is subject to a serious factual allegation, SCRIBE should ordinarily offer a reasonable opportunity to respond before publication, where practical and safe.

A refusal to respond will not prevent publication.

SCRIBE is not obliged to give every subject editorial control over a publication or to reproduce every response in full.

1.7 Language and dignity

SCRIBE may discuss sensitive, controversial or unconventional subjects directly. It will nevertheless seek to avoid language that is needlessly humiliating, dehumanising or sensational.

We will not suppress relevant facts merely because they are uncomfortable. We will, however, consider whether intimate or identifying details are genuinely necessary.

1.8 Corrections and changes

SCRIBE may correct, amend, update, expand, withdraw or republish material.

Where we discover that a factual statement is materially wrong, we will try to correct it within a reasonable period.

Minor changes—such as spelling, formatting, broken links or clarification that does not change the substance—may be made without a correction notice.

Where a change materially affects the meaning or conclusion of a publication, SCRIBE should ordinarily add a dated note explaining the significant change.

Material may be restored to an earlier version where a later alteration proves mistaken or less accurate.

1.9 Retractions and withdrawals

SCRIBE may withdraw material where:

  • it is substantially false or misleading;
  • it creates a serious and unjustified risk of harm;
  • it unlawfully infringes another person’s rights;
  • consent for sensitive personal material was invalid or materially misunderstood;
  • the integrity of the work cannot reasonably be repaired through correction.

Withdrawal does not necessarily mean that every argument in the material was false.

1.10 Editorial independence

Editorial conclusions will not be sold to advertisers, sponsors, partners or subjects of coverage.

Financial support may influence which work is possible, but it must not secretly determine SCRIBE’s findings.

1.11 Requests for correction

Correction requests should identify:

  • the relevant publication;
  • the statement in dispute;
  • why it is believed to be inaccurate;
  • any supporting evidence;
  • the correction being requested.

SCRIBE will consider serious and well-supported requests. Submission does not guarantee a response, amendment or removal.