Respect testimony
Contributors should be treated with dignity and taken seriously.
Research phase · Sources and first-hand accounts are being reviewedOpen the Research Centre
Methodology
A transparent standard for accountable reporting.
The methodology governs collection, assessment, publication, correction and right of reply. It recognises testimony as evidence without treating every story as automatically proven.
Assess claims
Respect does not remove the need to assess factual claims.
Separate direct knowledge from hearsay
Ask whether the contributor experienced, witnessed or heard about the event.
Seek corroboration
Consider independent accounts, records and witnesses.
Record contradictions
Document conflicting accounts and alternative explanations.
Protect identity
Minimise public details that could identify contributors.
Avoid overclaiming
Do not extend findings beyond available evidence.
Provide right of reply
Give relevant parties a fair summary and reasonable time to respond.
Publish limitations
Disclose important weaknesses, gaps and uncertainties.
Correct errors
Correct material factual errors clearly and promptly.