Complaints

Wiltshire 999s is committed to responsible journalism and upholding high editorial standards. We take complaints about our work very seriously.

We are not regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) but we do follow the Editors’ Code of Practice on a voluntarily basis.

This page outlines how we deal with complaints. For typographical errors or other minor editorial issues, consider contacting the newsdesk directly in the first instance.

Before making a complaint about coverage of a court case, read our court reporting guidance. This contains information about what the press can report from a court.

All formal complaints must be submitted exclusively via the online complaint form found below. Complaints received by any other method will not be accepted. This ensures we receive all the information required to investigate properly.

This policy applies only to complaints alleging a breach of the Editors’ Code of Practice in relation to content published on our website or social media channels.

Eligibility to complain

Anyone may complain about content they believe breaches the Editors’ Code of Practice.

Where a complaint relates to an identifiable individual, it must be made by that individual personally, or by a person with formal, verifiable authority to act on their behalf. Evidence of authority may be required before the complaint is progressed.

Where a complaint relates to a business or organisation, it must be submitted by the owner, a director or other authorised representative with demonstrable authority. Proof of authority may be requested at any stage.

Time limits

Complaints must be submitted via the complaint form within 30 days of publication.

Wiltshire 999s may, at its sole discretion, consider complaints submitted outside this timeframe where exceptional and clearly evidenced extenuating circumstances exist. A delay in becoming aware of an article does not automatically constitute an extenuating circumstance.

Investigation process

Where a complaint is properly submitted in accordance with this procedure, the editor will acknowledge receipt within 14 working days.

Wiltshire 999s will endeavour to provide a substantive response within 28 working days. This timeframe is indicative only and may be extended where the complexity of the complaint reasonably requires.

All complaints will be assessed with reference to the Editors’ Code of Practice.

We reserve the right to decline to investigate complaints that are vexatious, abusive, repetitive or not made in good faith.

Where we receive multiple complaints about the same article or subject, we may consolidate them and issue a single response to all complainants. This ensures consistency and fairness in how complaints are handled.

We may suspend consideration of a complaint if related legal proceedings are ongoing.

Once a complaint has been fully addressed, we may decline to enter into further correspondence on the same matter.

Outcomes

If a complaint is upheld, Wiltshire 999s will determine, at its sole editorial discretion, the appropriate remedial action. This may include correction, clarification, amendment or other proportionate action.

The decision of the editor following investigation will constitute the conclusion of Wiltshire 999s’ internal complaints process.

Legal notice

Submission of a complaint does not create any contractual relationship, legal obligation or admission of liability on the part of Wiltshire 999s. All rights are expressly reserved in respect of published content.

Wiltshire 999s reserves the right to reject any complaint that contains knowingly false, misleading, defamatory or abusive allegations. Where appropriate, legal action may be taken.

This includes circumstances in which false, defamatory or abusive statements are made publicly, whether on social media or any other platform.

Wiltshire 999s reserves the right to amend this policy, and the form, at any time without prior notice. The version in force at the time a complaint is submitted will apply.

Confidentiality and data protection

All information provided to Wiltshire 999s will be handled sensitively and in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and applicable data protection legislation.

Information supplied as part of a complaint may be shared with external media law advisors and legal representatives as part of an investigation, and may be retained for record-keeping, audit or legal purposes.

Complaint form

Initial declarations: *

• I confirm this is a formal complaint alleging a breach of the Editors’ Code of Practice.

Declaration *

• I confirm I have read, understood and accepted Wiltshire 999s' complaints policy (as above).

Full legal name: *

First

Last

Address: *

Phone number: *

Email address: *

Confirm email address: *

breaches? desired your

I am: *

• Named or pictured in the content
• Acting on behalf of an individual named or pictured in the content
• Acting on behalf of an organisation named or pictured in the content
• A third party unconnected to the content

If you are acting on behalf of an individual or organisation, you may be asked for evidence of your authority.

Content headline: *

Copy and paste the headline of the article or social media post you are complaining about.

Content URL: *

Include the full URL (web address) for the article or social media post.

Date of publication: *

What clause/s of IPSO Editors’ Code of Practice do you believe this content breaches? *

• Clause 1 – Accuracy
• Clause 2 – Privacy
• Clause 3 – Harassment
• Clause 4 – Intrusion into grief or shock
• Clause 5 – Reporting suicide
• Clause 6 – Children
• Clause 7 – Children in sex cases
• Clause 8 – Hospitals
• Clause 9 – Reporting of crime
• Clause 10 – Clandestine devices and subterfuge
• Clause 11 – Victims of sexual assault
• Clause 12 – Discrimination
• Clause 13 – Financial journalism
• Clause 14 – Confidential sources
• Clause 15 – Witness payments in criminal trials
• Clause 16 – Payment to criminals

Select all that apply to your complaint. You can read the Code at www.ipso.co.uk/editors-code-of-practice.

Detail your complaint: *

Tell us about your complaint - include as much detail as possible. Quote the exact words, phrases, headlines or describe the specific image, video or conduct it relates to.

What is your desired outcome? *

• Correction
• Clarification
• Removal of content
• Amendment of headline
• Other - specify below

If we accept a breach, we will endeavour to make it right.

If you selected 'Other', please specify your desired outcome:

Final declarations: *

• I confirm that the information provided in this complaint is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge, and that providing false information may affect the consideration of my complaint.

Declaration *

• I understand that Wiltshire 999s reserves the right to reject complaints that are, including but not limited to: vexatious, abusive, repetitive or not made in good faith.

Declaration *

• I consent to Wiltshire 999s processing my personal data for the purpose of investigating this complaint, including by passing the complaint to our external advisors and/or legal representatives.

Submit complaint