Press Complaints Commission >> How we can help you

How we can help you

This website contains a wealth of information about the PCC and the complaints process. If you have a general query, you might find it helpful to look at the following sections in the first instance:

About the PCC - an introduction to how the PCC works

Making a complaint - a full overview of the complaints process

Code of Practice - the 16-Clause Code of Practice is upheld by the PCC, and is the starting point for all complaints

FAQs - a comprehensive section which provides answers to over 40 frequently asked questions

How the PCC responds to a major incident - Find out what action the PCC takes following a major incident

The PCC's staff are happy to explain how the Code of Practice works on a day-to-day basis - please contact us to discuss a particular query.

However, for general advice on certain areas of the Code of Practice the sections below should prove useful.

Code advice for complainants

The PCC has put together a series of advice guides for members of the public. These cover a range of issues, including dealing with cases of potential harassment; handling media coverage following a death; the principles of court and inquest reporting; and the provisions of the Code that relate to schools and children. You might also find it helpful to read these examples of the PCC's work in stopping media harassment and advising on a pre-publication basis.

Guidance notes for editors

These briefings are intended to provide guidance to editors and journalists on a range of topics, including the reporting of suicide, mental health issues, court reporting and financial journalism. Other guidance on how the PCC interprets the Code of Practice is available in the recently-updated Editors' Codebook, published by the Editors' Code of Practice Committee.