WordPatch.co.uk is committed to maintaining the highest standards of editorial integrity and accuracy. We take all complaints about our content seriously. This procedure outlines how to submit a formal complaint regarding any editorial material published on our site and explains how we will handle it. This procedure is distinct from our corrections policy (for reporting specific factual errors) and our privacy policy (for concerns about personal data). For all complaints, please use the dedicated email address: complaints@wordpatch.co.uk.
What to include in your complaint
To ensure we can investigate your concern efficiently, please provide the following information in your email:
- Article URL or headline – the exact address or title of the piece in question.
- Publication date – the date the article was published or last updated.
- Reason for complaint – a clear explanation of why you believe the content is problematic (e.g., inaccuracy, misleading statement, breach of editorial standards, defamatory material, missing context, or violation of our editorial policy).
- Specific statement challenged – quote the exact wording you are disputing, including its location within the article.
- Supporting evidence – any documentation, sources, or references that substantiate your claim.
- Your name and contact details – we require a verifiable name and email address to process your complaint. Anonymous complaints may not be reviewed.
How we handle complaints
We aim to acknowledge receipt of all complaints within 5 working days. In most cases, we will provide an initial response within this timeframe. For straightforward issues, we may issue a resolution alongside the acknowledgement.
Complex complaints — such as those involving significant editorial review, legal considerations, or detailed source verification — may require additional time. If this is the case, we will inform you of the expected review period and keep you updated on progress.
Possible outcomes
Following a full investigation, we will issue one of the following outcomes, and we will explain our reasoning to the complainant in writing:
- Correction – a factual error is corrected and a note is appended to the article.
- Clarification – additional context is added to ensure the article is not misleading.
- Update – the article is revised to reflect new information or to improve accuracy.
- Removal – in rare cases, an article may be taken down if it is found to breach our editorial standards or legal obligations.
- No action – if after review we determine the content is accurate, fair, and compliant with our policies, we will explain this decision and the reasons for it.
Escalation to the Editor-in-Chief
If you are not satisfied with the initial response, or if your complaint concerns a matter of serious editorial misconduct, legal risk, or systemic policy failure, you may escalate it to Harriet Langford, Editor-in-Chief. Please clearly mark your email “Escalation — Complaint” and send it to harriet.langford@wordpatch.co.uk. Harriet will personally review the matter and issue a final decision. This is the final stage of our internal complaints process.
For all other general enquiries, you can reach us via our contact page or at contact@wordpatch.co.uk. For details on our overarching editorial standards, please see our editorial policy.