About the IJSC
An independent standards body for independent journalism.
The Independent Journalism Standards Council (IJSC) exists to give the public a way to verify that the independent journalists and publishers they read have committed to a shared code of editorial standards — and to hold them to it.
Our mission
Independent journalism has grown enormously, but the public has few reliable ways to tell a publisher that holds itself to accountable standards from one that does not. The IJSC sets a single, public code; accredits those who commit to it; maintains a register anyone can check; and runs an independent complaints process when the code is breached.
We are not a statutory regulator. We do not license who may practise journalism, and we do not claim recognition that has not been granted. Our authority comes from transparency: a published code, a public register, and documented outcomes.
How we operate
Four pillars, one standard.
A published code
Our Code of Standards is public and applies equally to every member. There are no private rules or special terms.
Accreditation
Applicants are reviewed against the code. Accredited members receive a membership ID and appear on the public register.
Independent complaints
Anyone may raise a complaint about a member. Complaints are acknowledged, investigated, and resolved with documented outcomes.
Annual renewal
Membership renews annually. Standing is reviewed, and lapsed or withdrawn accreditation is reflected on the register.
What we are not
- We are not a statutory regulator and have no statutory powers.
- We do not license who may practise journalism or restrict entry to the profession.
- We do not claim institutional or statutory recognition that has not been granted.
- We do not adjudicate disputes between private parties that fall outside our code.