Tim Toulmin, the director of the Press Complaints Commission has spoken on the importance of a free press, at a public meeting in Leicester.

He talked about the press's efforts at self-regulation and explained how he settles disputes by dealing with both newspaper editors and the public to try to reconcile differences and agree corrections where necessary.

Tim spoke at the New Walk Museum as a guest of the Literary and Philosophical Society at the annual Leicester Mercury Lecture.

He spoke about how the watchdog body resolved complaints, how it is used as a body before a complaint becomes necessary and how it fitted into the 24-hour media process. He gave real examples of what went on behind the scenes, using his unique position – sitting between editors and the public – to discuss self-regulation. There was also a question-and-answer session.

Tim joined the PCC as a graduate trainee and has been with the body for eight years. He took up the directorship almost a year ago.