The Code of Conduct was brought to life for journalism students at the University of Sheffield, when former Press Complaints Commission member Alison Hastings was their guest lecturer.

The former editor of the Newcastle Evening Chronicle, illustrated her talk with examples of breaches of the code – as well as highlighting occasions when newspapers and magazines have successfully defended complaints.

And she pointed out that although complaints under section three for the code – privacy – often attracted the most publicity, far more numerous were complaints under section one concerning accuracy.

She advised the audience: “When you’ve got it wrong, put it right.

“It used to be a badge of honour in many newsrooms to avoid saying sorry and admitting a mistake if they could get away with it. Thankfully times are changing.”

She recommended that all journalists should check the PCC website regularly to read the latest adjudications.

Her talk was one of a series for students and staff at the Department of Journalism Studies at the University of Sheffield.