Public Journal UK is committed to accuracy and transparency. Every piece of journalism is underpinned by a rigorous fact-checking process that places verified evidence at the heart of our reporting. As our Fact-Checking & Standards Lead, Nathan Cole, oversees this process: “Public Journal UK relies on primary sources, official records, public data, expert commentary and clearly attributed references where possible. Claims involving statistics, public policy or health information are reviewed before publication.”
Evidence Hierarchy
Our reporters and editors follow a clear hierarchy of evidence. Primary documents, official records, and publicly available datasets are treated as the most reliable foundation. Where these are not directly accessible, we will cite named experts, regulators, or official bodies whose credentials we have independently verified. Reputable secondary reporting – for example from recognised news agencies or peer-reviewed journals – may be used only when attributed and cross-checked against primary sources.
Verification Workflow
Nathan Cole leads a verification workflow that checks key claims, figures, dates, and named sources before any article is published. This applies to all content, from breaking news to long-form analysis. For time-sensitive stories, a rapid check is completed by the editorial team, with a fuller review following publication where necessary. Any amendments made as a result are recorded in the article’s metadata.
Handling Disputed Claims
If a significant factual dispute arises after publication, we add an editor’s note to the article while verification continues. The note explains the nature of the dispute and our ongoing assessment. Once the review is concluded, the article is updated or corrected, and the outcome is communicated via the Corrections Policy.
Article Review Dates
Every article displays its publication date and a “Last updated” timestamp. Where an article has been fact-checked or reviewed after publication, the label “Reviewed by Nathan Cole, Fact-Checking & Standards Lead” is added to provide readers with clear provenance of the update.
Reader Corrections
Readers who spot a potential error are encouraged to report it by emailing corrections@publicjournal.co.uk. All submissions are reviewed by Nathan Cole’s team. For full details of how we investigate and correct errors, please see our Corrections Policy.
Policy Review
This Fact-Checking Policy is reviewed annually by the Editor-in-Chief, Margaret Ellison, and the Fact-Checking & Standards Lead, Nathan Cole, to ensure it remains effective and reflects best practice in verification and transparency.
Medical, financial & legal disclaimer
Content published by Public Journal UK is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, financial or legal advice. Readers should consult qualified professionals before making decisions based on such information. We strongly advise readers to seek professional guidance for any decisions concerning health, finances or legal matters. If you have questions about this disclaimer or any editorial content, please contact the editorial desk at editorial@publicjournal.co.uk.
Standards desk: Nathan Cole, Fact-Checking & Standards Lead (factcheck@publicjournal.co.uk) · Last reviewed: 10 June 2026