Editorial policy
Pulse exists to serve the people who live here. We report what shapes daily life locally, including crime, housing, schools, transport, local services, money pressures, community issues, and decisions taken by public bodies.
We aim to report the truth with evidence, fairness, and legal care. We do not publish rumours dressed up as “concern”.
Editorial independence
Pulse is independent. Our journalism is not written, shaped, or approved by advertisers, sponsors, political parties, public bodies, or pressure groups. We publish stories because they matter to local people, not because they are safe, convenient, or flattering to institutions. We do not trade coverage for money, access, or favours.
Standards we work to
We aim to follow recognised UK editorial standards, including the spirit of the Editors’ Code of Practice and the relevant principles of the Ofcom Broadcasting Code where applicable, particularly accuracy, fairness, privacy, and harm.
Accuracy and verification
We verify information using primary sources where possible, such as official documents, notices, statements, datasets, court reporting that is lawfully publishable, and on-the-record interviews. Media reporting is treated as secondary context, not a substitute for evidence.
We clearly distinguish between fact, allegation, and comment. If a detail cannot be verified, we either omit it or state plainly that it has not been confirmed.
Evidence-first workflow
We build stories from a documented evidence base. Where possible, we prioritise primary sources such as police, councils, courts, regulators, public agencies, and official statistics. We label information clearly as confirmed, alleged or claimed with attribution, or unknown and unverified.
We keep internal notes showing what supports key claims, so we can correct promptly and accurately when new verified information emerges.
Use of editorial tools
We may use editorial tools, including automated tools, to support research, transcription, summarising, and drafting. This does not change our standards. We do not publish claims simply because a tool produced them, and final responsibility for what we publish sits with Pulse.
Sources, attribution, and anonymity
We prefer named sources and on-the-record material. We may grant anonymity where there is a credible risk of harm, retaliation, or serious personal consequences, and where the information is in the public interest. Anonymous claims are treated with extra caution and require additional verification before publication.
If you want to share sensitive information, contact us first so we can agree a safe way to communicate.
Fairness and right to reply
Where a story contains a serious allegation about a person or organisation, we will make reasonable efforts to contact them for comment before publication. If they do not respond in time, we may publish and note that comment was requested, then update if they reply later. We report responses accurately and in context, including where a party chooses not to comment.
Crime, courts, and legal restrictions
We follow UK contempt of court rules and reporting restrictions. We avoid implying guilt before conviction, and we use correct legal labels such as suspect, arrested, charged, on trial, and convicted. We take care not to publish details that could prejudice proceedings.
We do not identify minors or vulnerable victims unless it is lawful and genuinely justified by the public interest. We also avoid gratuitous detail in cases involving trauma, self-harm, sexual offences, exploitation, domestic abuse, or serious injury.
User submissions, images, and tip-offs
We welcome story tips and local information. Submitting information does not guarantee publication, and we may verify material before using it. If you send photos, videos, or documents, you confirm you have the right to share them and you grant us permission to use them unless you clearly state restrictions in writing.
Conflicts of interest and gifts
We avoid conflicts of interest and disclose them where they exist. We do not accept payment, gifts, or hospitality that could reasonably be seen as influencing coverage. If we attend an event as a guest, receive review access, or are hosted in any way, we disclose it.
Corrections, clarifications, and updates
If we get something wrong, we fix it promptly and transparently. A correction covers factual error. A clarification covers wording that may mislead or lacks context. An update reflects new verified information.
Corrections are normally made in the article itself, with a note explaining what changed and when.
To request a correction, email
with the subject line
Correction request – [headline].
Include the URL or headline, what you believe is wrong, what the correct information is, and any supporting evidence.
Complaints
If you believe our reporting is inaccurate, unfair, intrusive, or otherwise unacceptable, email
with the subject line
Editorial complaint – [headline].
We aim to respond within 7 working days.