The IFCN welcomes new applications to its Code of Principles beginning Jan. 16, 2024. Our website is currently under renovation, so new signatories should begin the application process by emailing their interest to info@ifcn.org with "New Signatory" in the subject line.

Full Fact

Organization: Full Fact
Applicant: Phoebe Arnold
Assessor: Raymond Joseph

Background

This is the third assessment I have done of Full Fact and is most satisfying to see the growth of the organisation. Its website is easy to navigate and the level of transparency displayed by the organisation is to be commended. If I were asked for an example of best practice and easy-to-understand presentation of information and transparency, the Full Fact site is one of those I would point to. It is also gratifying how Full Fact has grown, as evidenced by the growth in its staff complement and the number and diversity of fact-checks it does, as well. I am also impressed with Full Fact’s fact-checking tool kit https://bit.ly/2ZMNrNz which I often recommend to journalists wanting to learn – or brush up on – their fact-checking skills.

Assessment Conclusion

I have no hesitation in stating that Full Fact has more than met the requirements for continued membership of IFCN

on 08-Jul-2020 (3 years ago)

Raymond Joseph assesses application as Compliant

A short summary in native publishing language

I have no hesitation in stating that Full Fact has more than met the requirements for continued membership of IFCN

Section 1: Eligibility to be a signatory

To be eligible to be a signatory, applicants must meet these six criteria

  • 1.1 The applicant is a legally registered organization, or a distinct team or unit within a legally registered organization, and details of this are easily found on its website.
  • 1.2 The team, unit or organization is set up exclusively for the purpose of fact-checking.
  • 1.3 The applicant has published an average of at least one fact check a week over the course of the six months prior to the date of application. For applicants from countries with at least 5 or more verified signatories need to have at least a fact check a week over the twelve months of publishing track. Consult to factchecknet@poynter.org for confirmation.
  • 1.4 On average, at least 75% of the applicant’s fact checks focus on claims related to issues that, in the view of the IFCN, relate to or could have an impact on the welfare or well-being of individuals, the general public or society.
  • 1.5 The applicant’s editorial output is not, in the view of the IFCN, controlled by the state, a political party or politician.
  • 1.6 If the organization receives funding from local or foreign state or political sources, it provides a statement on its site setting out to the satisfaction of the IFCN, how it ensures its funders do not influence the findings of its reports.

Criteria 1.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please explain where on your website you set out information about your organization’s legal status and how this complies with criteria. Attach a link to the relevant page of your website.

Full Fact
19-Jun-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

On every page of the website in the footer, it says:

Full Fact is a registered charity (no. 1158683) and a non-profit company (no. 6975984) limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales.


This links to the following, respectively

http://apps.charitycommission.gov.uk/Showcharity/RegisterOfCharities/CharityWithPartB.aspx?RegisteredCharityNumber=1158683&SubsidiaryNumber=0

https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/06975984

Raymond Joseph Assessor
06-Jul-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

There is footer on every page of Full Fact's website that states: "Full Fact is a registered charity (no. 1158683) and a non-profit company (no. 6975984) limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales."

I have scrutinised their Companies House filings and found that they are up to date and in order.

There is also a link in Full Fact's FAQ dealing with this under the heading "How do you spend your money/can I see your accounts?" https://fullfact.org/about/frequently-asked-questions/ There is a link included directly their Companies House information


done_all 1.1 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.

Criteria 1.2
Proof you meet criteria
Please answer the following questions – (see notes in Guidelines for Application on how to answer)

 1. When and why was your fact-checking operation started?
 2. How many people work or volunteer in the organization and what are their roles?
 3. What different activities does your organization carry out?
 4. What are the goals of your fact-checking operation over the coming year?

Full Fact
19-Jun-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Full Fact was launched in 2010 by a cross-party group of trustees to fight bad information. The initial idea came from conversations about the accuracy of public debate in the UK and the gap that could be filled by a truly independent, nonpartisan and non-governmental organisation. The first task was to bring together a credible cross-party group of trustees to ensure that Full Fact started on a cross party basis. Before launch, we agreed rigorous safeguards in place at every level of the organisation to ensure our neutrality. These were carefully constructed based on advice from our board and examples ranging from Amnesty International to the BBC. They include the cross-party board, fundraising safeguards, a conflict of interests policy, restrictions on staff political activity, feedback processes, operating guidelines, external reviews, and more. Most importantly, they include carefully recruiting staff who are sensitive to these issues.

At the time of writing, Full Fact employs 32 staff members across five teams: Editorial, Communications, Policy & Research, Automated Fact Checking and Operations. The staff team is led by our Chief Executive and Management team, who are accountable to our volunteer trustee board. We occasionally receive support from volunteers on various projects and during elections and referendums.

Full Fact fights the causes and consequences of bad information in four ways:

 - Fact checking - to inform our audiences and maintain scrutiny of people in power

- Corrections & interventions - to stop the spread of specific unsubstantiated claims and hold people to account

- Systems change - to help make bad information rarer and less harmful

- Advocating high standards - to help maintain high expectations of and from those in public life

Our goals for this year are:

Objective 1. Find, expose, and reduce the spread of specific unsubstantiated claims so that we reduce the harm they do

Objective 2. Raise our profile in the political and media world so that it becomes common to hear Full Fact used as an authoritative reference

Objective 3. Find and expose specific causes of bad information so that we can identify and act on solutions to them

Objective 4. Counter specific causes of bad information so that we help make good information easier to use and bad information harder to use

Objective 5. More people and institutions identify as supporters of Full Fact so that we build Full Fact’s financial independence and increase our ability to mobilise people to achieve specific changes

Raymond Joseph Assessor
06-Jul-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

1) All questions clearly and satisfactorily answered;

2) The number of people employed by Full Fact, the different sections of the organisation and oversight of their work is clearly delineated, as explained in this application;

3) The different activities that Full Fact carries out are clearly explained in their application;

4) Full Fact has five goals for the coming year, which are aimed at consolidating the work they are already doing. Others include raising the organisation's profile as a credible, go-to source in the media and political world as an authoritative source; growing their supporter base to build their financial independence; and increase their ability "to mobilise people to achieve specific changes".

A full background of how and why Full Fact was launched can be found in their FAQs under the heading "How did you get started?" https://fullfact.org/about/frequently-asked-questions/ 



done_all 1.2 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.

Criteria 1.3
Proof you meet criteria
- The applicant has published an average of at least one fact check a week over the course of the six months prior to the date of application.
- For applicants from countries with at least 5 or more verified signatories need to have at least a fact check a week over the twelve months of publishing track.
- Consult to factchecknet@poynter.org for confirmation.

Full Fact
19-Jun-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

We have attached a spreadsheet containing articles for 6 months. 

Also, please refer to our FAQs, the section titled “What kind of things do you check?” which clarifies how are choices are in the public interest. 83% of our output in the last 3 months for example, have been coronavirus related claims.

Files Attached
insert_drive_file IFCN Application 202... (295 KB)
Raymond Joseph Assessor
06-Jul-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Full Fact far exceeds the minimum weekly fact-check requirement. In their FAQs, they explain the kinds of things  the can and can't fact-check, and how they choose how they choose claims to fact-check


done_all 1.3 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.

Criteria 1.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will assess compliance through a review of the fact checks published over the previous three months. No additional information required.

Raymond Joseph Assessor
06-Jul-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Ful Fact more than meets this compliance requirement, both in the number and frequency of fact-checks they publish, as well as their diversity.


done_all 1.4 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.

Criteria 1.5
Proof you meet criteria
Please explain any commercial, financial and/or institutional relationship your organization has to the state, politicians or political parties in the country or countries you cover. Also explain funding or support received from foreign as well as local state or political actors over the previous financial year.

Full Fact
19-Jun-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

We do not accept any funding from the state or political parties in the UK or otherwise. We have not received any funding from local state or political actors over the previous financial year, nor do we have any commercial or financial relationships with state or political actors.

Representatives of the largest UK political parties form part of our trustee board. We have always ensured that there is one member from each of the three largest UK-wide parties, alongside politically independent board members. All board members can be viewed on our website. Our board has no input into Full Fact’s editorial content and all editorial decisions are made by our Editor and our Chief Executive. 

Raymond Joseph Assessor
06-Jul-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Full Fact does not receive any funding from the State or from politicians or political parties. Their declaration on this issue in their application is clear and unequivocal on this matter: 

"We do not accept any funding from the state or political parties in the UK or otherwise. We have not received any funding from local state or political actors over the previous financial year, nor do we have any commercial or financial relationships with state or political actors.

"Representatives of the largest UK political parties form part of our trustee board. We have always ensured that there is one member from each of the three largest UK-wide parties, alongside politically independent board members. All board members can be viewed on our website. Our board has no input into Full Fact’s editorial content and all editorial decisions are made by our Editor and our Chief Executive." 


done_all 1.5 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.

Criteria 1.6
Proof you meet criteria
If you confirmed the organization receives funding from local or foreign state or political sources, provide a link to where on your website you set out how you ensure the editorial independence of your work.

Full Fact
19-Jun-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

N/A We have not received any funding from local or foreign state or political actors. 

Raymond Joseph Assessor
06-Jul-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

n/a


done_all 1.6 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.

Section 2: A commitment to Non-partisanship and Fairness

To be compliant on nonpartisanship and fairness, applicants must meet these five criteria

  • 2.1 The applicant fact-checks using the same high standards of evidence and judgement for equivalent claims regardless of who made the claim.
  • 2.2 The applicant does not unduly concentrate its fact-checking on any one side, considers the reach and importance of claims it selects to check and publishes a short statement on its website to set out how it selects claims to check.
  • 2.3 The applicant discloses in its fact checks relevant interests of the sources it quotes where the reader might reasonably conclude those interests could influence the accuracy of the evidence provided. It also discloses in its fact checks any commercial or other such relationships it has that a member of the public might reasonably conclude could influence the findings of the fact check.
  • 2.4 The applicant is not as an organization affiliated with nor declares or shows support for any party, any politician or political candidate, nor does it advocate for or against any policy positions on any issues save for transparency and accuracy in public debate.
  • 2.5 The applicant sets out its policy on non-partisanship for staff on its site. Save for the issues of accuracy and transparency, the applicant’s staff do not get involved in advocacy or publicise their views on policy issues the organization might fact check in such a way as might lead a reasonable member of the public to see the organization’s work as biased.

Criteria 2.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please share links to 10 fact checks published over the past year that you believe demonstrate your non-partisanship.
Please briefly explain how the fact checks selected show that (I) you use the same high standards of evidence for equivalent claims, (II) follow the same essential process for every fact check and (III) let the evidence dictate your conclusions.

Full Fact
19-Jun-2020 (3 years ago)

Full Fact is a registered charity so we are legally required to be ‘objective, ‘balanced’, and to observe ‘strict political neutrality’. We monitor media, politicians and pressure groups across the political spectrum.

When publishing roundups (multiple claims from a TV show/debate), if we check a claim from a member of the government, we ensure that we also check one from the member of the official opposition (and vice versa). We also ensure that we do not only check claims from one person in a roundup, and aim for balance from across the debate.

As fact checkers, the accuracy of our work is the highest priority. Our operating guidelines and editorial standards are designed to ensure that our work is thoroughly reviewed, well evidenced, unbiased and written in the clearest possible terms. All our pieces are reviewed by more than one fact checker and we work hard to ensure that our work is done to the highest standard.

When fact checking, we follow a clear process. First we need to understand the claim. We don’t only fact check the evidence used in a claim, but also the underlying assumption. Factually correct information can be used to make a point which is misleading or incorrect, so it’s important to draw out exactly what someone means when they make a statement.

Then (where possible) we contact the claimant. Unless the claim’s source is self-evident, we try to contact the claimant to ask them about their source, and for any other information we need to understand it.

Then we gather our evidence. We always try and gather a wide range of sources of evidence relating to a claim. We link to primary sources throughout our fact checks.

Sometimes we contact experts. We cover a wide range of topic areas, and we’re not experts on everything. We want to ensure we’re giving readers the most complete picture we can, and sometimes we need guidance in finding or understanding information. In these cases we speak to relevant experts for advice. Crucially, this grant will help to widen our access to legal expertise for legal fact checks.

Once the evidence is gathered and analysed, we can write the article. Our articles are intended to guide the reader through all the evidence as clearly as possible so that they can make up their own mind about a claim. We’ll also explain the wider context around the issue when it’s relevant to do so.

Everything we publish on our website is reviewed by two other editors before publication in order to make sure that it is correct, impartial and engaging.

Reviewing is restricted to experienced fact checkers. Our six week training programme covers statistics, impartiality, polling and surveys, making graphs, and good communication. Please see attached our reviewing checklist, which is not exhaustive.

Fact checks have a standardised claim and conclusion intended to guide not dictate readers’ conclusions.

10 examples of our fact checking:

Our key fact checks of the Conservative Party in the 2019 general election
https://fullfact.org/election-2019/conservative-roundup/

Our key fact checks of the Labour Party in the 2019 general election
https://fullfact.org/election-2019/labour-roundup/

Our key fact checks of the SNP and Liberal Democrats in the 2019 general election
https://fullfact.org/election-2019/snp-and-liberal-democrats-round-up/

Our key fact checks of Plaid Cymru, the Green Party and the Brexit Party in the 2019 general election campaign
https://fullfact.org/election-2019/plaid-cymru-green-brexit-roundup/

This comparison between Brexit’s impact and the financial crisis is flawed
https://fullfact.org/europe/brexit-economic-impact/

Claim that 7.7% of UK goods exports go to the EU is a big underestimate
https://fullfact.org/europe/eu-goods-exports-gdp/

The limits of what we can say about early lockdowns
https://fullfact.org/health/limits-what-we-can-say-about-early-lockdowns/

We still don’t know if the UK does the most Covid-19 tests in Europe
https://fullfact.org/health/coronavirus-testing-europe/

Scotland doesn’t have the highest taxes in Europe
https://fullfact.org/economy/scotland-doesnt-have-highest-taxes-europe/

It’s not government policy to raise the pension age to 75
https://fullfact.org/economy/not-government-policy-state-pension/

Raymond Joseph Assessor
06-Jul-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Full Fact meets the necessary IFCN criteria on non-partisanship.

The organisation has extensive and clear protocols in place to ensure objectivity, balance, and political neutrality in its fact-checking,. For example, I've checked and can confirm that when they publish "round-ups" of TV debates, they do not fact-check only one person in a debate. Also, as they say in their application, if they check a claim by a member of the government, they also ensure that they fact-check a claim by a member of the opposition - and vice versa.

Full Fact has protocols built into their workflow that ensures that all fact-checks follow the same clear processes. Also, everything they publish is reviewed by more than one fact-checker. Their FAQs (www.fullfact.org/about/frequently-asked-questions/ ) include a "How do we stay neutral" section. A link from that section links to the following statement:

"We have rigorous safeguards in place at every level of our organisation to ensure our neutrality. These have been carefully constructed based on advice from our board and examples ranging from Amnesty International to the BBC. They include the cross-party board, fundraising safeguards, a conflict of interests policy, restrictions on staff political activity, feedback processes, operating guidelines, external reviews, and more. Most importantly, they include carefully recruiting staff who are sensitive to these issues.

Ultimately, it is for our audience to judge for themselves whether we succeed—we would encourage readers to judge our individual fact checks and our body of work as a whole. We provide links to all sources so that you can check what we’ve said for yourself."

I have reviewed the supplied links - as well as a random selection of other fact-checks - and I am satisfied with Full Fact's non-partiality in the work that they do.


done_all 2.1 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.

Criteria 2.2
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to a place on your website where you explain how you select claims to check, explaining how you ensure you do not unduly concentrate your fact-checking on any one side, and how you consider the reach and importance of the claims you select to check.

Full Fact
19-Jun-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Please refer to the FAQs section entitled “About Fact Checking”, in particular “Got a claim for us to check?” and “What kind of thing do you check?”

Raymond Joseph Assessor
06-Jul-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

This is extensive information under an "About fact-checking" section in the FAQs https://fullfact.org/about/frequently-asked-questions/ 

Of particular relevance for these criteria are the subsections entitled "Got a claim for us to check?", and “What kind of thing do you check?”, which clearly spells out the steps that Full Fact follows when doing a fact-check.


done_all 2.2 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.

Criteria 2.3
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will assess compliance through a review of the fact checks published over the previous year. No additional information required.

Raymond Joseph Assessor
06-Jul-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

I have reviewed a wider range of randomly selected published fact-checks and I am satisfied that Full Fact meets all the criteria and is fully complaint


done_all 2.3 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.

Criteria 2.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will assess compliance through a review of the fact checks published over the previous year. No additional information required.

Raymond Joseph Assessor
06-Jul-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

I have reviewed a wider range of randomly selected published fact-checks and I am satisfied that Full Fact meets all the criteria to be fully compliant.


done_all 2.4 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.

Criteria 2.5
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to a place on your website where you publish a statement setting out your policy on non-partisanship for staff and how it ensures the organization meets this criteria.

Full Fact
19-Jun-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

In our FAQ under "How do you stay neutral"

https://fullfact.org/about/frequently-asked-questions/

Impartiality https://fullfact.org/about/impartiality/

Job page under our standards and neutrality https://fullfact.org/about/jobs/

All members of staff fill in declaration of personal interests (attached)

Files Attached
description Declaration of Perso... (16 KB)
Raymond Joseph Assessor
06-Jul-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

These issues are covered in several places on the Full Fact website.


They are: "how do you stay neutral" in the FAQs https://fullfact.org/about/frequently-asked-questions/ which includes this statement:

We have a cross-party Board of Trustees with the three big political parties represented. They have extensive experience in politics and journalism. As a charity, it’s the law that we aren’t allowed to take political sides.

The Board does not have any control over day-to-day editorial decisions. These are the responsibility of the Director.

We monitor the claims being made and the ones we’re fact-checking on a weekly basis, to ensure we maintain balance.

All staff must complete a declaration of personal interests before they start work here. Our staff aren’t allowed to express opinions about political parties or issues. Volunteers are also asked to provide similar declarations.

There are further details here https://fullfact.org/about/funding/ under the heading "Neutrality"

The safeguards in place to ensure Inmpartilaity are spelled out here https://fullfact.org/about/impartiality/ 

The policy on neutrality is reiterated on their job page: https://fullfact.org/about/jobs/ 


done_all 2.5 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.

Section 3: A commitment to Standards and Transparency of Sources

To be compliant on sources, applicants must meet these four criteria

  • 3.1 The applicant identifies the source of all significant evidence used in their fact checks, providing relevant links where the source is available online, in such a way that users can replicate their work if they wish. In cases where identifying the source would compromise the source’s personal security, the applicant provides as much detail as compatible with the source’s safety.
  • 3.2 The applicant uses the best available primary, not secondary, sources of evidence wherever suitable primary sources are available. Where suitable primary sources are not available, the applicant explains the use of a secondary source.
  • 3.3 The applicant checks all key elements of claims against more than one named source of evidence save where the one source is the only source relevant on the topic.
  • 3.4 The applicant identifies in its fact checks the relevant interests of the sources it uses where the reader might reasonably conclude those interests could influence the accuracy of the evidence provided.

Criteria 3.1
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.

Full Fact
19-Jun-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

We draw on publicly available information, such as statistics or primary research, to assess the validity of claims. For some topics, such as foreign affairs or defence, there is a lack of independent or unclassified sources, so we are unable to factcheck those claims.

We link to primary sources for all factual assertions. We prefer to link to the data tables, legal document, or relevant page of a PDF report — rather than a press release or summary of a statistical release.

We prefer to link to a specific table rather than a directory of tables, where possible (the user interface of some public information websites does not always allow for as granular a link as we would like). For example, NHS Digital gives only the option of linking directly to a downloadable spreadsheet, or to a directory of spreadsheets, some of which are not relevant to a reader seeking to follow our analysis.

We also use anchor links when linking to parliamentary records, where possible.

Please see https://fullfact.org/finder/. The finder tool empowers people to do independent research round a topic rather than just following links we provide in a factcheck. It provides a guide to the key sources of information and a brief description of some of the variables each data source would be able to provide, so readers don’t have to navigate blind.

Occasionally we seek information /advice from external experts. We will name them and their organisation (if applicable). We normally quote them for their informed judgement and where relevant provide a primary source.

Information about which sources we use is visible on our website: https://fullfact.org/about/frequently-asked-questions/

Raymond Joseph Assessor
06-Jul-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

I  have reviewed a random sample of Full Facts use of sources and I am satisfied that they met the necessary criteria.


Of interest is their "Finder Tool" -  https://fullfact.org/finder/ - which allows users to do their own independent research on a topic and jot just rely on links to specific sources within a fact-check.

Full facts use of sources is clearly spelled out in the FAQs under the heading "What kind of sources do you use?" https://fullfact.org/about/frequently-asked-questions/ 

"We draw on publicly available information, such as statistics or primary research, to check claims. We can’t fact check claims about some topics, like foreign affairs or defence, because the sources are classified or not independently verified.

We link to primary sources for all factual assertions. We prefer to link to the data tables, legal document, or relevant page of a PDF report — rather than a press release or summary of a statistical release. Within that we normally try to link to a specific table rather than a directory – although sometimes the user interface of the source website doesn’t allow that. For parliamentary records, we usually use anchor links to take you straight to the relevant quote.

Our Finder tool empowers you to do independent research around a topic rather than just following links we provide in a fact check. It provides a guide to the key sources of information and a brief description of some of the variables each data source would be able to provide, so readers don’t have to navigate blind.

Occasionally we seek information or advice from external experts –and often we republish our expert partners’ work or commission explainers from them."


done_all 3.1 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.

Criteria 3.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.

Raymond Joseph Assessor
06-Jul-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

I have reviewed a random sample of fact-checks and I am satisfied that they meet the criteria.


done_all 3.2 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.

Criteria 3.3
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.

Raymond Joseph Assessor
06-Jul-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

I have reviewed a random sample of fact-checks and I am satisfied that they meet the criteria.


done_all 3.3 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.

Criteria 3.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.

Raymond Joseph Assessor
06-Jul-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

I have reviewed a random sample of fact-checks and I am satisfied that they meet the criteria.


done_all 3.4 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.

Section 4: A commitment to Transparency of Funding & Organization

To be compliant on funding and organization, applicants must meet these five criteria

  • 4.1 Applicants that are independent organizations have a page on their website detailing each source of funding accounting for 5% or more of total revenue for its previous financial year. This page also sets out the legal form in which the organization is registered (e.g. as a non-profit, as a company etc).
  • 4.2 Applicants that are the fact-checking section or unit of a media house or other parent organization make a statement on ownership.
  • 4.3 A statement on the applicant’s website sets out the applicant’s organizational structure and makes clear how and by whom editorial control is exercised.
  • 4.4 A page on the applicant’s website details the professional biography of all those who, according to the organizational structure and play a significant part in its editorial output.
  • 4.5 The applicant provides easy means on its website and/or via social media for users to communicate with the editorial team.

Criteria 4.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please confirm whether you are an ‘independent organization’
or ‘the fact-checking section or unit of a media house or other parent organization’ and share proof of this organizational status.

Full Fact
19-Jun-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Full Fact is an independent organisation. A registered charity (no. 1158683) and a non-profit company (no. 6975984) limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales.

Proof of charity status
https://beta.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1158683&subid=0

Proof of company registration
https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/06975984

Raymond Joseph Assessor
06-Jul-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Full Fact has supplied proof that they are an independent organisation.

Full Fact is an independent organisation. A registered charity (no. 1158683) and a non-profit company (no. 6975984) limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales.

Proof of charity status https://bit.ly/38B0wgS

Proof of company registration https://bit.ly/2Z5vLNM 


done_all 4.1 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.

Criteria 4.2
Proof you meet criteria
If your organization is an “independent organization”, please share a link to the page on your website where you detail your funding and indicate the legal form in which the organization is registered (e.g. as a non-profit, as a company etc).
If your organization is “the fact-checking section or unit of a media house or other parent organization”, please share a link to the statement on your website about your ownership.

Full Fact
19-Jun-2020 (3 years ago)
Raymond Joseph Assessor
06-Jul-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

From https://fullfact.org/about/funding/ 

"Full Fact is a registered charity. We're funded by people like you, by charitable trusts, and by other funders. All the details are on this page. Our running costs consist mostly of paying staff and renting office space in London. We have the usual overheads of any organisation, from computer equipment and internet connections to doing our accounts. We are based in London so that we can meet with central government and major media outlets without the expense of constant travel. We'd like to thank everybody who donates and makes our work possible."

Proof of registration as a "Private Limited Company by guarantee without share capital use of 'Limited' exemption"https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/06975984 

Full Fact details its sources of funding and donors at https://fullfact.org/about/funding/ 

In a brief overview, it states: Full Fact is a registered charity. We're funded by people like you, by charitable trusts, and by other funders. All the details are on this page.

Our running costs consist mostly of paying staff and renting office space in London. We have the usual overheads of any organisation, from computer equipment and internet connections to doing our accounts. 

We are based in London so that we can meet with central government and major media outlets without the expense of constant travel. We'd like to thank everybody who donates and makes our work possible."

The page also lists donors for the years 2016. 2017, 2018, and 2019. It give details of  organisations and indivuidals who contributed more than 5,000 pounds Sterling, and the amounts they donanated. 


done_all 4.2 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.

Criteria 4.3
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to where on your website you set out your organizational structure, making clear how and by whom editorial control is exercised.

Full Fact
19-Jun-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

You can see all of our staff and their roles at: https://fullfact.org/about/our-team/

In our FAQs section, under “about fact checking” https://fullfact.org/about/frequently-asked-questions/ you can see the process our editorial team undergoes in more detail too. 

Raymond Joseph Assessor
06-Jul-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

The staff of Full Fact and their roles and responsibilities are spelled out here: https://fullfact.org/about/our-team/ 

The processes that Full Fact follows and the different people involved in the process are spelled out in detail in the various sections of "About fact-checking" in the FAQs https://fullfact.org/about/frequently-asked-questions/ 


done_all 4.3 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.

Criteria 4.4
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to where on your website you set out the professional biographies of those who play a significant part in your organization’s editorial output.

Full Fact
19-Jun-2020 (3 years ago)
Raymond Joseph Assessor
06-Jul-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Bios of the Full Fact team can be found here: https://fullfact.org/about/our-team/ 


done_all 4.4 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.

Criteria 4.5
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to where on your website you encourage users to communicate with your editorial team.

Full Fact
19-Jun-2020 (3 years ago)
Raymond Joseph Assessor
06-Jul-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

People are able to contact Full Fact via this page: https://fullfact.org/about/contact/


done_all 4.5 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.

Section 5: A commitment to Standards and Transparency of Methodology

To be compliant on methodology, applicants must meet these six criteria

  • 5.1 The applicant publishes on its website a statement about the methodology it uses to select, research, write and publish its fact checks.
  • 5.2 The applicant selects claims to check based primarily on the reach and importance of the claims, and where possible explains the reason for choosing the claim to check.
  • 5.3 The applicant sets out in its fact checks relevant evidence that appears to support the claim as well as relevant evidence that appears to undermine it.
  • 5.4 The applicant in its fact checks assesses the merits of the evidence found using the same high standards applied to evidence on equivalent claims, regardless of who made the claim.
  • 5.5 The applicant seeks where possible to contact those who made the claim to seek supporting evidence, noting that (I) this is often not possible with online claims, (II) if the person who makes the claim fails to reply in a timely way this should not impede the fact check, (III) if a speaker adds caveats to the claim, the fact-checker should be free to continue with checking the original claim, (IV) fact-checkers may not wish to contact the person who made the claim for safety or other legitimate reasons.
  • 5.6 The applicant encourages users to send in claims to check, while making it clear what readers can legitimately expect will be fact-checked and what isn’t fact-checkable.

Criteria 5.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please provide a link to the statement on your website that explains the methodology you use to select, research, write and publish your fact checks.

Full Fact
19-Jun-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Please see our FAQs page https://fullfact.org/about/frequently-asked-questions. 

Especially: 

1. "How do you factcheck?";

2. Section entitled "ABOUT FACTCHECKING";

3. "What kind of sources do you use?";

4. "Why don't you have ratings?"

We have also published Full Fact’s Operating Guidelines for the Third Party Fact Checking programme publicly here https://fullfact.org/media/uploads/tpfc-q1q2-2019.pdf from page 36 onwards. 

Raymond Joseph Assessor
06-Jul-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

There are comprehensive details on Full Fact's FAQs page https://fullfact.org/about/frequently-asked-questions 

Of particular relevance are the sections "How do you fact-check? Of particular relevant are the sections entitled "About fact-checking", "What kind of sources do you use?" and "Why don't you have ratings?"

There are also extensive details in Full Fact’s Operating Guidelines for the Third Party Fact Checking programme. It is publicly available here (from page 36 onwards): https://fullfact.org/media/uploads/tpfc-q1q2-2019.pdf 


done_all 5.1 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.

Criteria 5.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.

Raymond Joseph Assessor
06-Jul-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

I have examined a random selection of fact-checks and I am satisfied that Full Fact meets these criteria.


done_all 5.2 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.

Criteria 5.3
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.

Raymond Joseph Assessor
06-Jul-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

I have examined a random selection of fact-checks and I am satisfied that Full Fact meets these criteria.


done_all 5.3 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.

Criteria 5.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.

Raymond Joseph Assessor
06-Jul-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

I have examined a random selection of fact-checks and I am satisfied that Full Fact meets these criteria.


done_all 5.4 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.

Criteria 5.5
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.

Raymond Joseph Assessor
06-Jul-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

I have examined a random selection of fact-checks and I am satisfied that Full Fact meets these criteria.


done_all 5.5 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.

Criteria 5.6
Proof you meet criteria
Please describe how you encourage users to send in claims to check, while making it clear what readers can legitimately expect will be fact-checked and what isn’t fact-checkable. Include links where appropriate. If you do not allow this, explain why.

Full Fact
19-Jun-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

We invite people to send us claims to check through our contact form https://fullfact.org/about/contact/

Also please refer to the FAQs section entitled “About Fact Checking”, as well as “Got a claim for us to check?” and “What kind of thing do you check?”

And we also have a series called Ask Full Fact which invites requests for checks, here are the pages around coronavirus for example: https://fullfact.org/health/newcoronavirus-answered/ and here is the google form that collects these requests: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevu7m6eOc8q4L3petzyZiu7SvehXtlXqfOHLbrgsTMYcPA2A/viewform

Our toolkit pages help people understand how to spot misleading information: https://fullfact.org/toolkit/

Raymond Joseph Assessor
06-Jul-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

People are able to submit a claim for checking via the web form on the Contact page https://fullfact.org/about/contact/

The "About fact-checking" section on the FAQ page https://fullfact.org/about/frequently-asked-questions/ has comprehensive information. Of particular relevance is "Got a claim for us to check?". Also, "What kind of thing do you check, which explains what an and can't be checked?" has useful information and includes a link to the "Contact" page.

People are also able to ask coronavirus-related questions here https://bit.ly/3fjogsc via this Google form https://bit.ly/2AAUct5

All questions and answers are published on a special COVID-19 page https://bit.ly/3fjogsc


done_all 5.6 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.

Section 6: A commitment to an Open & Honest Corrections Policy

To be compliant on corrections policy, applicants must meet these five criteria

  • 6.1 The applicant has a corrections or complaints policy that is easily visible and accessible on the organization’s website or frequently referenced in broadcasts.
  • 6.2 The policy sets out clear definitions of what it does and does not cover, how major mistakes, especially those requiring revised conclusions of a fact check, are handled, and the fact that some complaints may justify no response. This policy is adhered to scrupulously.
  • 6.3 Where credible evidence is provided that the applicant has made a mistake worthy of correction, the applicant makes a correction openly and transparently, seeking as far as possible to ensure that users of the original see the correction and the corrected version.
  • 6.4 The applicant, if an existing signatory, should either on its corrections/complaints page or on the page where it declares itself an IFCN signatory inform users that if they believe the signatory is violating the IFCN Code, they may inform the IFCN, with a link to the IFCN site.
  • 6.5 If the applicant is the fact-checking unit of a media company, it is a requirement of signatory status that the parent media company has and adheres to an open and honest corrections policy.

Criteria 6.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please provide a link to where you publish on your website your corrections or complaints policy. If you are primarily a broadcaster, please provide evidence you frequently reference your corrections policy in broadcasts.

Full Fact
19-Jun-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Our feedback and complaints process are captured here: https://fullfact.org/about/feedback/ and under the FAQs questions “How can I make a complaint about Full Fact?”. We also invite people to read the IFCN's complaints policy here: https://fullfact.org/about/international-fact-checking-network/

Raymond Joseph Assessor
06-Jul-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Full Fact publishes details of its complaints and feedback process here: https://fullfact.org/about/feedback/

The process followed in the event of a complaint is clearly spelled out and people are then directed to the contact page from which they can lodge a complaint https://fullfact.org/about/contact/

There is also a link to the IFCN complaints page here: https://bit.ly/31XuPgg There is also a link to IFCN's own complains page where people can lodge a complaint about a signatory https://ifcncodeofprinciples.poynter.org/complaints-policy



done_all 6.1 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.

Criteria 6.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the corrections policy to verify it meets critera. No additional information needed.

Criteria 6.3
Proof you meet criteria
Please provide a short statement about how the policy was adhered to over the previous year (or six months if this is the first application) including evidence of two examples of the responses provided by the applicant to a correction request over the previous year. Where no correction request has been made in the previous year, you must state this in your application, which will be publicly available in the assessment if your application is successful.

Full Fact
19-Jun-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

To date in 2020, we have made corrections to 19 fact checks, all in line with our feedback and corrections policy. Details of all 19 fact checks can be found on our public corrections page: https://fullfact.org/about/corrections/ as well as in the attached document. 

All corrected articles note the correction and the date it was made at the bottom of the article.

Files Attached
insert_drive_file IFCN Application 202... (295 KB)
Raymond Joseph Assessor
06-Jul-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Full Fact publishes a full list of corrections/clarifications it has made in 2020 https://fullfact.org/about/corrections/

All fact-checks that have been subject to a correction have a prominent explanation at the end of the published fact-check that is marked "correction", as well as the date of the correction.



done_all 6.3 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.

Criteria 6.4
Proof you meet criteria
If you are an existing signatory, please provide a link to show where on your site you inform users that if they believe you are violating the IFCN Code, they may inform the IFCN of this, with a link to the complaints page on the IFCN site.

Raymond Joseph Assessor
06-Jul-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

There is a link to the IFCN site https://www.ifcncodeofprinciples.poynter.org/ from Full Fact's "About" page https://fullfact.org/about/international-fact-checking-network/

IFCN's Code of Principles are also published on Full Fact's "About page" https://fullfact.org/about/international-fact-checking-network/


done_all 6.4 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.

Criteria 6.5
Proof you meet criteria
If you are the fact-checking unit of a media company, please provide a link to the parent media company’s honest and open corrections policy and provide evidence that it adheres to this.

Full Fact
19-Jun-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

This is not applicable. 

Raymond Joseph Assessor
06-Jul-2020 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

n/a


done_all 6.5 marked as Compliant by Raymond Joseph.