The Deck's Editorial Policy

Introduction

At LSM Publishing, we value integrity, transparency, and accountability. Our Editorial Policy outlines our commitment to producing high-quality, accurate, and responsible journalism. We are dedicated to providing content that respects all individuals, adheres to ethical guidelines, and fosters trust with our audience. This policy is designed to guide our editorial practices and ensure the public receives reliable and fair content.

Mission Statement

LSM Publishing is committed to carrying out our work in an ethical and conscientious manner to ensure harm is not inflicted on others whilst also maintaining journalistic freedom. .

Diversity

LSM Publishing is committed to representing all users who encounter our content every day, no matter where they are, what their background is, or how they identify. We are an inclusive and responsible employer.

Ethics

LSM Publishing adheres to the guidelines set out by the National Union of Journalists as well as the Football Writer’s Association. All staff representing LSM Publishing must follow the National Union of Journalists’ Code of Conduct. Key principles include:

• Upholding media freedom, the right of freedom of expression, and the public’s right to be informed.

• Ensuring that information disseminated is honest, accurate, and fair.

• Correcting harmful inaccuracies.

• Differentiating between fact and opinion.

• Obtaining material by honest means, with exceptions for public interest investigations.

• Avoiding intrusion into private life unless justified by public interest.

• Protecting the identity of confidential sources.

• Resisting undue influence or inducements to suppress information.

Additionally, LSM Publishing follows the guidance of The Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics alongside IPSO’s Editors’ Code of Practice.

Feedback

LSM Publishing welcomes dialogue with all staff members at all levels. We encourage feedback, complaints, or questions to help us improve as a business and as a publisher. Our readers are also encouraged to connect with us through the following methods:

• Email: ryan@thedeck.news

• Send a letter: LSM Publishing, 95c Back Hilton Road, Aberdeen AB25 3SX

• Via our Contact Us Page

Corrections

LSM Publishing upholds a strict editorial procedure that all editors and writers must follow to submit their work for publication. If you encounter any errors, we are committed to correcting them promptly. All corrected articles will be amended and labelled accordingly. Please follow the corrections procedure or contact ryan@thedeck.news for further details.

Coverage Priorities

Our editorial team strives to deliver content in an unbiased and transparent manner. In the case of a conflict of interest, it will be clearly disclosed at the beginning of the article. We aim for the highest standards of impartiality in all our reporting.

Conflict of Interest: A conflict of interest arises when a writer or editor’s personal, professional, or financial interest could compromise their impartiality in reporting. Any such conflicts will be clearly disclosed.

Bylines Policy

All of our articles will list a byline showing the author’s name and relevant information. If an article is not clearly labelled, an explanation will be provided within the article. Alternatively, you can contact ryan@thedeck.news for more details.

Accessibility

We are committed to ensuring our content is accessible to all. We aim to comply with WCAG 2.2 AA standards. You can read more in our Accessibility Statement Page.

Anonymous Sources

LSM Publishing will clearly label sources and provide hyperlinks where possible. In cases where hyperlinks are unavailable, we will explain how to find the source. Anonymous sources will only be used under the following conditions:

• The information is factual and not speculative.

• The information is available only with the source’s anonymity.

• The source is reliable and in a position to provide accurate information.

• Due diligence has been carried out to ensure accuracy.

Any writer using an anonymous source must have it approved in writing by a senior member of LSM Publishing staff.

Accuracy and Fact-Checking

LSM Publishing ensures all facts are checked for accuracy and authenticity. Editors verify all content before publication. Writers are required to credit sources and assess the quality and authenticity of information. If inaccurate information is found, please follow the correction procedure.

Plagiarism

LSM Publishing takes a zero-tolerance approach to plagiarism. Any plagiarized content will be taken down immediately, and the writer will face disciplinary action.

AI Usage

LSM Publishing takes a zero-tolerance approach to AI-generated content. All articles and materials published on our platform must be created by our staff, adhering to the highest editorial standards. If AI-generated content is found to have been published without proper disclosure, it will be promptly removed, and the responsible individual will face disciplinary action. All content must be original, ensuring accuracy, fairness, and integrity.

Company Information

LSM Publishing was founded in February 2024 and is the official company name for The Deck. For more information, please visit our About Us Page.
Registered Company Information: LSM Publishing Ltd, Company number SC798254, Incorporated: February 2024. Majority Owned – Ryan Whelan.

Compliance

Compliance with this editorial policy is overseen by Ryan Whelan, who ensures that all staff adhere to our ethical guidelines and maintain the integrity of our journalism.

Our Brands

All of our brands and sub-brands adhere to the same editorial standards. For more information, please visit our dedicated page.

UK Office

We operate a fully remote business, however our registered office details can be found below

Please address written correspondence to:
LSM Publishing Ltd T/A The Deck
95c Back Hilton Road, Aberdeen AB25 3SX

This page was last updated on 4th December 2025 by Ryan Whelan