Your complaint will now be passed to the Commission with a view to it making a ruling under the Code. We aim to be in touch with you with a decision within the next 50 days (35 working days). In the meantime, should you have any queries or require any further advice, please do not hesitate to contact us on 020 7831 0022.
Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2012 10:39 AM
Subject: Press Complaints Commission - Our reference 123691
Email from PCC: Complaints Coordinator: Simon Yip:
Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2012 10:39 AM
To: '[email protected]'
Subject: Press Complaints Commission - Our reference 123691
Dear Ms Johnstone
Thank you for your email.
Your complaint will now be passed to the Commission with a view to it making a ruling under the Code. We aim to be in touch with you with a decision within the next 50 days (35 working days). In the meantime, should you have any queries or require any further advice, please do not hesitate to contact us on 020 7831 0022.
A copy of the Code of Practice which all newspapers and magazines who subscribe adhere to, can be accessed using this web link: http://www.pcc.org.uk/cop/practice.html
I would like to set out a number of points about our procedures, for your information.
• Speed: The Commission has a commitment to deal with all complaints as quickly as possible. It expects both complainants and newspapers – and their representatives, legal or otherwise – to cooperate with that commitment. Any unreasonable delay on either side may be taken into account by the Commission.
• Transparency: As part of a full and fair investigation we must ensure that each party to a complaint is able to see and comment upon what the other has to say. The Commission cannot take into account information to which both sides have not had an opportunity to comment.
• Confidentiality: The system of self-regulation overseen by the PCC requires good faith on both sides. In order for the PCC to be able to investigate complaints effectively, it is essential that neither party to a complaint, complainant or newspaper/magazine, publishes information which has been provided as part of the investigation - most notably correspondence – without the consent of the other party. Publication, without consent, may affect the PCC’s ability to continue to deal with a complaint or may be considered by the PCC when it reaches a decision as to whether the Code has been breached. Material provided by both complainants and publications during a PCC investigation must only be used for the purpose of the complaint being considered by the PCC.
• Commission rulings: It is possible that the Commission may find that your complaint does not amount to a breach of the Code, or that any remedial action taken or offered by the publication is sufficient under its terms. If this is the case we will explain to you why the Commission took this decision.
• Correspondence with the editor: We will usually send a copy of each letter of complaint to the editor even if the complaint does not raise a breach of the Code. Similarly, any substantive decision made by the Commission under the terms of the Code will be sent to the editor.
• Outside the Commission’s remit: The Commission is not able to deal with all complaints. Some of the circumstances in which we may not be able to pursue a complaint are set out on our website.
• Legal proceedings: The Commission cannot deal with any complaint which is the subject of legal or other associated proceedings. You should let us know immediately if you decide to take legal action in regard to the matter under complaint.
• Data Protection: By pursuing the complaint, you consent to the processing of any personal data which may be provided to the Commission for the purposes of dealing with your complaint. You also consent to the publication of the Commission's decision in relation to the complaint, but may withdraw consent in writing.
• Independent Reviewer: If, at the end of the process, you are dissatisfied with the manner in which your complaint has been handled, you should write within one month to the Independent Reviewer who will investigate the matter and report any findings and recommendations to the Commission. Further details are included in the enclosed How to Complain booklet, or via the following link: http://www.pcc.org.uk/about/whoswho/independentreview.html
Further information about the complaints process can be accessed using this web link: http://www.pcc.org.uk/complaints/process.html
Information about our service commitments to complainants can be accessed using this web link: http://www.pcc.org.uk/complaint/charter.html.
Further information about the PCC can be found on our website www.pcc.org.uk .
Do not hesitate to contact us if you need further advice. When you write to us, please quote our reference number on this email.
Yours sincerely
Simon Yip
Complaints Coordinator
Press Complaints Commission
Halton House
20/23 Holborn
London EC1N 2JD
Tel: 020 7831 0022
Website: www.pcc.org.uk