17 April 2017

FactCheckNI joins an evermore important list of fact-checking organisations around the world that are being acknowledged for maintaining a high universal standard, by adhering to a code of principles from the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN).

We are proud to announce that FactCheckNI has become a verified signatory of the IFCN code of principles.
This was the result of an independent, external review of our organisation, which investigated: nonpartisanship and fairness; transparency of research sources, funding, and methodology; and an open and honest corrections policy.

This verification applies for one year, and FactCheckNI will produce a report outlining how we continue to respect the five IFCN principles.

Allan Leonard, Managing Director of the Northern Ireland Foundation (lead organisation for FactCheckNI) said:

“It is assuring to know that the way we operate FactCheckNI meets such a high standard. This verification will enable us to apply for other initiatives to combat ‘fake news’.”

Enda Young, Founder of Transformative Connections (FactCheckNI partner organisation) said:

“Fact-checking is rising in significance every day. This badge of excellence will cue readers that we have been thoroughly vetted and actually respect the principles.”

FactCheckNI will uphold the highest possible standards in our fact-checking work.

NOTES

Code of Principles (International Fact-Checking Network)

1. A COMMITMENT TO NONPARTISANSHIP AND FAIRNESS

We fact-check claims using the same standard for every fact check. We do not concentrate our fact-checking on any one side. We follow the same process for every fact check and let the evidence dictate our conclusions. We do not advocate or take policy positions on the issues we fact-check.

2. A COMMITMENT TO TRANSPARENCY OF SOURCES

We want our readers to be able to verify our findings themselves. We provide all sources in enough detail that readers can replicate our work, except in cases where a source’s personal security could be compromised. In such cases, we provide as much detail as possible.

3. A COMMITMENT TO TRANSPARENCY OF FUNDING & ORGANISATION

We are transparent about our funding sources. If we accept funding from other organisations, we ensure that funders have no influence over the conclusions we reach in our reports. We detail the professional background of all key figures in our organisation and explain our organisational structure and legal status. We clearly indicate a way for readers to communicate with us.

4. A COMMITMENT TO TRANSPARENCY OF METHODOLOGY

We explain the methodology we use to select, research, write, edit, publish and correct our fact checks. We encourage readers to send us claims to fact-check and are transparent on why and how we fact-check.

5. A COMMITMENT TO OPEN AND HONEST CORRECTIONS

We publish our corrections policy and follow it scrupulously. We correct clearly and transparently in line with our corrections policy, seeking so far as possible to ensure that readers see the corrected version.

Northern Ireland Foundation is the lead organisation for the FactCheckNI project, in partnership with Transformative Connections. This project was launched with the financial support from Building Change Trust.