Last updated: 3 July 2026
Manchester Courier takes complaints about its editorial content and journalistic conduct seriously. This policy explains how to submit a complaint and how it will be considered.
What this policy covers
You may complain about:
- A significant factual inaccuracy.
- A materially misleading headline, image or caption.
- An unjustified intrusion into privacy.
- Unfair treatment or failure to offer an appropriate opportunity to respond.
- Discriminatory or seriously offensive material without sufficient editorial justification.
- The identification of a child or vulnerable person.
- The handling of confidential information.
- A failure to distinguish adequately between editorial and sponsored content.
- Conduct that you believe is inconsistent with our published Editorial Policy.
General disagreement with an opinion, criticism or editorial decision is not, by itself, evidence of a breach of editorial standards.
How to complain
Formal complaints should be sent to:
editor [at] manchestercourier [dot] co [dot] uk
Please put “Editorial Complaint” in the subject line and include:
- Your full name and contact details.
- The headline and web address of the relevant article.
- The date of publication, if known.
- The specific words, images or conduct being challenged.
- The section of our Editorial Policy you believe may have been breached.
- A concise explanation of the harm or concern.
- Any documents or evidence supporting your complaint.
- The outcome you are seeking.
If you are complaining on behalf of another person or organisation, please explain your relationship to them and, where appropriate, provide evidence that you are authorised to act.
Time limit
Complaints should normally be submitted within 12 months of the publication or conduct concerned.
We may consider an older complaint where there is a reasonable explanation for the delay, significant new evidence or a continuing and serious effect.
Our complaints process
Once a sufficiently detailed complaint has been received, Manchester Courier will:
- Confirm receipt of the complaint.
- Consider whether it falls within this policy.
- Review the article and the evidence supplied.
- Consult the relevant editor, contributor or other party where necessary.
- Decide whether our editorial standards were breached.
- Explain the decision and any proposed action.
We aim to acknowledge complaints within seven working days and provide a substantive response within 20 working days.
Complex complaints may require additional time. If so, we will aim to explain the reason for the delay and provide an updated timescale.
Possible outcomes
Where a complaint is upheld in full or in part, appropriate action may include:
- Correcting inaccurate information.
- Adding a clarification or editorial note.
- Updating a headline, image or caption.
- Publishing a response or correction.
- Removing particular material in exceptional circumstances.
- Reviewing internal editorial procedures.
- Taking no further action where the existing publication is accurate and compliant with our standards.
The remedy will depend on the seriousness, prominence and effect of the issue.
Review of a decision
If you believe that our response has not properly addressed your complaint, you may request a review within 10 working days of receiving the decision.
A review request should identify the specific part of the decision being challenged and explain why you believe it was incorrect. Where practicable, the review will be conducted by someone who was not primarily responsible for the original decision.
The outcome of the review will normally represent the conclusion of Manchester Courier’s internal complaints procedure.
Data protection complaints
Complaints specifically concerning the processing of personal information may also fall under our Privacy Policy.
Individuals have the right to raise data protection concerns with the UK Information Commissioner’s Office at https://ico.org.uk/. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider the matter directly before it is referred externally.
Abusive or repeated complaints
Manchester Courier may restrict or end correspondence that is threatening, abusive, discriminatory, persistently repetitive or clearly intended to harass staff or contributors.
A complaint will not be rejected merely because it is critical or strongly expressed, provided it raises a genuine and identifiable concern.
Confidentiality
Complaint information will be shared only with those who reasonably need it to assess the matter, obtain professional advice, comply with the law or implement an appropriate response.