The press watchdog has launched fresh guidance on reporting major incidents.

The Independent Press Standards Organisation has announced the launch of the guidance, which notes that journalists should ensure that they are not in the position of breaking the news of a death or serious injury to immediate family members, directly or indirectly.

IPSO defines a major incident as an event or situation which threatens widespread damage to human welfare or to the security of the country.

It could also be an event which results in large scale grief, shock and trauma, with the potential to directly affect a wider community.

Key points in the guidance are as follows:

• It is legitimate for journalists to approach people who have witnessed or been affected by  a major incident to investigate what has happened and the impact on individuals. The Editors’ Code of Practice does not seek to prevent this.
• Journalists should ensure that they are not in the position of breaking the news of a death or serious injury to immediate family members, directly or indirectly.
• Journalists must take particular care in relation to any content about a major incident which involves children, considering carefully how to avoid unnecessary intrusion.
• While information is likely to be incomplete and uncertain during a major incident, care should be taken to distinguish between claims and fact.
• As part of the process of verifying information taken from social media, journalists should check the source of the information, including when it was published.
• Editors should take care to handle publication sensitively in cases involving grief or shock and to make enquiries and approaches with sympathy and discretion.

IPSO head of standards and regulation Rosemary Douce, pictured, said: “The major incidents guidance has been developed after careful analysis and consultations with relevant stakeholders, drawing on their experiences of being caught up in and reporting on such incidents. We were grateful for their help and advice.

“While not being prescriptive, this guidance offers advice on how journalists can get it right when dealing with these sensitive stories.”

“We have also updated our advice for anyone caught up in a major incident – or their family, or professionals working to support them

“It aims to equip people with knowledge and tools to help them cope with this kind of situation, explaining what the press can and cannot report, as well as tips for managing press interest and advice on how to seek help from IPSO if they need it.”

The full guidance can be read here.