code of principles<\/a> established by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), one which FactCheckNI was an early signatory.<\/p>\n\n\n\nI argued how the IFCN code coincides with the three pillars of the UK Statistics Authority\u2019s revised code. Trustworthiness is reflected in our commitment to nonpartisanship and fairness; to transparency of sources of information; to transparency of funding and organisational details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Quality is reflected in our commitment to transparency of methodology; and to open and honest corrections. Value is reflected in FactCheckNI producing fact-checked articles so that individuals, citizens, and voters can have the most accurate information possible for their analysis and decision making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We share the code\u2019s belief that nonpartisan and transparent fact-checking can be a powerful instrument of accountability journalism, and the converse can increase distrust and pollute the public debate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At FactCheckNI, we would also add that fact-checking can be part of a peacebuilding process. At the time of our launch, I was interviewed on the Good Morning Ulster radio programme and asked how would we know if we were being effective. Instead of reciting metrics agreed with our funder, I replied that the next time there\u2019s a viral meme of a hoax riot about to take place, it won\u2019t happen, because someone we\u2019ve trained will have done a simple reverse image search and reply with a corrective tweet or posting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And that is the two parts of the solution — online tools that are easy to use, but backed with practical training and to establish the importance and value of critical thinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A final perspective is that we should consider ourselves fortunate that we operate in an environment where the professionalism and independence of our work is respected and defended. The fact that we can have a code of practice that will elevate our standards. We meet other fact-checkers from other parts of the world where basic journalism is physically threatened and where government agencies are thoroughly corrupted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is crucial to ensure trustworthiness, quality, and value in all our work; we want the public to demand this from us. It is the best way forward for our democracy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
by Allan LEONARD for FactCheckNI (12 April 2018) The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) hosted an information seminar at Belfast City Hall, for staff from government organisations in Northern Ireland who have responsibility for statistics in their work (creating and\/or applying). The audience was welcomed by Siobhan Carey (Chief Executive and Registrar General,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1700,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[56],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
Ensuring trustworthiness, quality and value in all our work - FactCheckNI<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n