Learn more about the building blocks of our regulatory scheme for news publishers.
Our regulatory scheme is made up of 9 key components and outlines Impress’ core regulatory functions and powers.
In our member directory, you will find details of the publishers who are regulated by Impress and who have voluntarily agreed to the regulatory oversight mechanisms outlined in our Regulatory Scheme agreement.
Who we are
Governance
Further information
The Standards Code
Impress requires publishers to uphold and adhere to the Impress Standards Code and use it in their assessment of complaints.
Complaints handling by regulated publishers
Regulated publishers are required to maintain adequate and speedy in-house complaints procedures.
Internal governance requirements
Impress regulated publishers are required to adhere to governance requirements, such as displaying the Impress trustmark and publicising the Impress whistleblowing hotline to staff and contributors.
Investigations
Impress may investigate potential Standards Code breaches or breaches of internal governance requirements, in response to a complaint or on our own initiative.
Complaints handling by Impress
If a complainant is dissatisfied with the outcome of their complaint to a publisher, or the publisher has failed to respond, the complainant may escalate their complaint to Impress.
Sanctions and remedies
As a result of an investigation (whether following a complaint or otherwise), Impress may impose appropriate and proportionate sanctions on a regulated publisher, including financial sanctions.
Arbitration
Impress offers an arbitration scheme to settle civil claims between a claimant and a regulated publisher for defamation, breach of confidence, misuse of private information, malicious falsehood, harassment or breach of The Data Protection Act.
Advisory notice requests
At the request of affected parties or representatives of affected parties, Impress may issue an Advisory Notice to its publishers to give warning or advice about avoiding unwelcome press intrusion.
Compliance records
Impress requires publishers to maintain a record of all complaints received and publishes an annual report which includes details of all complaints received by regulated publishers and by Impress.
News publisher? Join us today.
Impress membership includes access to regulatory services and resources tailor-made for the needs of modern, independent news providers and content creators.
What’s more, membership starts from just £50 per year!
Partner with us.
Through our partnerships we hope to create an environment of growth, learning and positive change in the sector that facilitates well-informed, insightful news content.
Share our vision? We’d love to hear from you.
