The following guides should be borne in mind when taking part in investigations:

1. Strive to ensure that information is fair and accurate
2. Avoid the expression of comment and conjecture as established fact
3. Avoid distorting or misrepresenting information – do not hold back information that fails to support your own beliefs
4. Avoid placing unnecessary emphasis on personal characteristics, including race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, sexual orientation, family relationships, religious belief, or physical or intellectual disability.
5. Promptly correct any harmful inaccuracies
6. Provide the right of reply to criticised people or organisations
7. Use fair, responsible and honest means to obtain material. Identify yourself before obtaining any interview for publication. Never exploit a person’s vulnerability or ignorance of web publishing.
8. Obtain information and evidence only by straightforward means
9. Do nothing which entails intrusion into private grief and distress
10. Protect confidential sources of information
11. Do not accept bribes or make contributions for commercial reasons
12. Declare any conflicts of interest – e.g. if you are related to the subject of an investigation or are employed or paid by an organisation with an interest
13. Do not interview or photograph children in connection with stories concerning their welfare without the permission of a parent or other adult responsible for their welfare.
14. Do not knowingly cause or allow the publication of a photograph that has been manipulated unless that photograph is clearly labelled as such. Manipulation does not include normal dodging, burning, colour balancing, spotting, contrast adjustment, cropping and obvious masking for legal or safety reasons
15. Do not take private advantage of information gained in the course of his/her duties, before the information is public knowledge

Adapted from the NUJ’s Code of Conduct