About The Ferret's status as registered co-operative https://theferret.scot/about-us/

Evidence of Ferret Fact Service organisation - https://theferret.scot/about-us/ and https://theferret.scot/ferret-fact-service/

Attached evidence of co-operative status.

Compliant, as described in the applicant's response and its website.

1. Ferret Fact Service was launched in April 2017 after funding from the Google Digital News Initiative, and is now funded by subscribers to The Ferret. It is part of The Ferret, an investigative journalism platform, but exclusively for fact-checking. We launched to fill a gap in fact-checking in Scotland, particularly after the Scottish Independence referendum and the Brexit vote, and we remain the only non-partisan fact-checker in the country.

2. We have one dedicated fact-checking lead, Alastair Brian, supported by an editorial board. He does not write for The Ferret generally, only for Ferret Fact Service. Our podcast is co-hosted by Alastair and Paul Dobson, who works as a journalist at The Ferret.

3. We do regular fact-check articles, explainers, and podcasts, appear on radio and in other media promoting fact-checking, and deliver regular workshops to community groups, students, activists and members of the public. We also develop tools for others to use and teach fact-checking and verification skills.

4. We have developed a new podcast format, as well as exploring multimedia fact-checks, and fact-checks utilising social media platforms such as TikTok and YouTube. We are also embarking on a media literacy programme aimed at sections of society identified as at special risk from misinformation.

Ferret Fact Service's response details its date of initial operations, its key people, activities, and goals - as required. Compliant.

https://theferret.scot/fact-check/

By reviewing the attached link, it could be verified that the applicant has published an average of at least one fact check article in a given week.

A review of fact checks published over the three months prior to this assessment (conducted on November 2023), verified that FFS is focusing on claims related to issues that have an impact on the welfare and well-being of the public in Scotland.

Random sample (will also be used as reference for assessment on various sections below):

1. What’s going on with Scottish Government Covid-19 WhatsApps? | November 3, 2023

https://theferret.scot/scottish-government-covid-19-whatsapps/

2. Claim freeports in Scotland will allow fracking is Unsupported | October 31, 2023

https://theferret.scot/claim-freeports-scotland-allow-fracking-unsupported/

3. Claim Thatcher said SNP Westminster majority would be mandate for independence is Unsupported | October 19, 2023

https://theferret.scot/thatcher-snp-majority-independence-unsupported/

4. FFS explains: Why is Keir Starmer audio ‘leak’ likely to be fake? | October 11, 2023

https://theferret.scot/keir-starmer-leaked-audio-fake/

5. FFS explains: Why is the XL Bully being banned? | September 21, 2023

https://theferret.scot/ffs-explains-why-is-the-xl-bully-being-banned/

6. FFS explains: Glasgow’s drug decriminalisation policy | September 13, 2023

https://theferret.scot/ffs-explains-glasgows-drug-decriminalisation-policy/

7. Claim one in four Scots children is in poverty is True | September 8, 2023

https://theferret.scot/claim-one-in-four-scots-children-poverty-true/

8. Claim Patrick Harvie said industry must die is False | August 25, 2023

https://theferret.scot/claim-patrick-harvie-said-industry-must-die-false/

9. Claim Humza Yousaf made anti-white speech is False | August 16, 2023

https://theferret.scot/claim-humza-yousaf-made-anti-white-speech-is-false/

10. Claim SNP has reduced attainment gap by two-thirds is Mostly False | August 11, 2023

https://theferret.scot/snp-reduced-attainment-gap-two-thirds-mostly-false/

None.

Compliant, as described in the applicant's response.

None.

Transparency page of The Ferret: https://theferret.scot/transparency/

Compliant, as described in the applicant's response.

https://theferret.scot/claim-snp-msps-2008-pay-freeze-half-true/

https://theferret.scot/snp-reduced-attainment-gap-two-thirds-mostly-false/

https://theferret.scot/claim-scotland-half-way-net-zero-true/

https://theferret.scot/claims-about-cost-of-royal-family-unsupported/

https://theferret.scot/claim-phone-alert-firm-prime-ministers-wife-false/

https://theferret.scot/fact-check-nicola-sturgeon-record-first-minister/

https://theferret.scot/claim-sudan-refugees-asylum-unhcr-false/

https://theferret.scot/claim-govts-admit-covid-19-virus-not-real-false/

https://theferret.scot/claim-scotland-25percent-europe-wind-capacity-false/

https://theferret.scot/claim-700000-scots-on-nhs-waiting-list-half-true/

https://theferret.scot/fact-check-snp-mp-mhairi-blacks-viral-speech/

We cover a wide variety of topics from figures across the political spectrum, as well as fact-checking viral content from partisan and non-partisan sources.

The issues covered in the fact checks selected include education, the royal family, Covid-19, climate change, the NHS, energy, the economy, and poverty.

We fact-checked politicians from the SNP, Labour and the Conservatives, as well as a wide variety of viral claims.

Each claim follows our published methodology, available on our website here: https://theferret.scot/ferret-fact-service/

The claims have resulted in a mix of verdicts across our seven point scale in the above link. This is particularly shown in our articles covering multiple claims from the same source, where a variety of verdicts have been come to.

Each article is fully evidenced with linked sources showing how we came to our conclusions, and each fact check is checked by at least two Ferret editors, as per our methodology. 

FFS describes in its response a clear policy and method for conducting fact checks, matching the required standard.

A review of the fact checks shared by the applicant shows its compliance; they are using the same high standards of evidence and judgement for equivalent claims regardless of who made the claim; following the essential process for every fact check; and letting the evidence dictate decision.

https://theferret.scot/ferret-fact-service/

Compliant; the link provided by FFS contains its method of selecting claims to be reviewed, ensuring that they are not focusing solely on one side of the map, and the reach/importance of the claims selected to be reviewed.

A review of the fact check articles attached by FFS shows it is compliant to the criteria.

A review of the fact checks sampled shows the applicant is not affiliated nor showing support for any party/politician/candidate or policy position aside from transparency and accuracy. Compliant.

https://theferret.scot/ferret-fact-service/

https://theferret.scot/transparency/

https://theferret.scot/about-us/

Compliant. The links provided show FFS public statement about its non-partisanship staff policies, and its mechanisms to ensure compliance.

https://theferret.scot/about-us/

"None of our Journalist Directors are members of a political party and The Ferret is committed to taking a non-partisan approach to everything we do.

All stories are reviewed by experienced journalists before publication and checked by lawyers, when required. Our Reader Directors deal with any complaints."

(See Section 1.4 for the randomised sample)

An examination of the randomised sample shows that the applicant consistently provides the sources of evidence used for the fact-checking process, alongside links, enabling readers to independently replicate the fact-checking process.

A review of the sample (as in Section 1.4) of FFS' fact-checks that the applicant is consistently using primary sources of evidence. Compliant.

As seen in the random sample, the applicant mostly uses multiple sources of evidence in their fact checks.

Example:

Claim SNP has reduced attainment gap by two-thirds is Mostly False | August 11

https://theferret.scot/snp-reduced-attainment-gap-two-thirds-mostly-false/

In this article, FFS is putting references to external research (by The Sutton Trust), as well as multiple sources and metrics/statistics in different publications by the Scottish Government.

Compliant. A review of the random sample of FFS fact checks shows that the applicant tends to rely rely on official/primary sources, and as such not resulting to sources of evidence with relevant interest that could affect the accuracy of evidence. 

In addition, when it refers to claims it adds relevant interests. For example, see a quote from previous article covered about the attainment gap: "Ahead of the forthcoming by-election in Rutherglen and Hamilton West, SNP MP David Linden made a claim about the SNP government’s progress in reducing the gap between rich and poor students in an interview with BBC Radio 4. ... David Linden’s claim is selectively presented."

We are the fact checking section of The Ferret, a not-for-profit investigative news platform.

https://theferret.scot/about-us/

Compliant, as described in the applicant's response and the attached link. Falls under the definition of "the fact-checking section or unit of a media house or other parent organization".

https://theferret.scot/about-us/

https://theferret.scot/transparency/

Compliant, as present in the attached links.

https://theferret.scot/ferret-fact-service/

https://theferret.scot/about-us/

Compliant, as set out in the attached links.

https://theferret.scot/about-us/

Compliant; the biographies are present in the About Us page.

We have a Contact page: https://theferret.scot/contact/

We regularly publicise our factcheck@theferret.scot email on socials and in our podcast

Compliant, as presented in the Contact page.

https://theferret.scot/ferret-fact-service/

The attached link on FFS' website effectively outlines the methodology employed in its fact-checking operations, encompassing the selection of claims to cover, the research and writing process, and its verdict assessment. Compliant.

(See Section 1.4 for randomised sample)

A review of the sampled articles shows that FFS constantly checks claims that have high importance and reach, and brings this context alongside the the checked claim. 

(See Section 1.4 for the randomised sample)

A review of the sample shows FFS to bring different evidence that could support or undermine a given claim, matching its stated policy. Compliant.

Example: 

Claim SNP has reduced attainment gap by two-thirds is Mostly False | August 11, 2023

https://theferret.scot/snp-reduced-attainment-gap-two-thirds-mostly-false/

In this article, FFS shows where that official data does match the claim about the reduced attainment gap: "[Linden's] claim Scotland has reduced the attainment gap in education by two-thirds is based on one specific measure – school leavers destinations since 2009-10". Next to this, FFS shows more metrics that are relevant to this claim and could contradict it: "However, this is only one measure of the attainment gap, and there has been little progress on measures of attainment for pupils in school, with many categories increasing over the past five years and others remaining static".

An examination of the randomized sample demonstrates that the applicant consistently applies rigorous standards to its assessments, irrespective of the claimant's identity. For an example, you can see the one in the section above. Compliant

A review of the randomised sample shows that FFS seeks contact when the claims are made by public figures. Compliant.

(Example: In the referred attainment gap fact check, the article states "in response to Ferret Fact Service, the SNP stated this was the statistic David Linden was referring to").

We have a Contact page: https://theferret.scot/contact/

We also have a pop up on our website where you can suggest ideas for fact checks.

We regularly publicise our factcheck@theferret.scot email on socials and in our podcast.

We have a section on our Ferret Fact Service page that explains what we do and don't fact check: https://theferret.scot/ferret-fact-service/

As mentioned in the applicant's response and evident on their website, FFS actively encourages readers to submit claims to fact check. They transparently define the criteria and considerations for claims likely to be assessed. Compliant.

https://theferret.scot/transparency/

https://community.theferret.scot/docs?topic=62

As indicated in the applicant's provided links, and more pages on its website, FFS maintains a transparent and readily accessible corrections and complaints policy on their website. This policy is in accordance with the required standards. Compliant.

https://theferret.scot/transparency/

"Our regulator Impress did not investigate any formal complaints against The Ferret in the year to September 1 2022.

A complete list of Impress complaint determinations, including historical complaints against The Ferret, can be found on their website here: https://www.impress.press/complaints/complaint-decisions.html"

https://community.theferret.scot/docs?topic=62

"If you think you have spotted a factual error or mistake in one of our stories, please contact us to let us know. Our editorial committee will assess your query, and if we decide that a minor edit is needed we will add a correction note.

The Ferret has a detailed complaints policy that sets out how to make a complaint about any aspect of our work."

Additional links:

https://theferret.scot/complaints/

"Complaints policy and proceedure of The Ferret

This policy sets out how the Ferret will respond to complaints."

https://theferret.scot/ferret-fact-service/

"Corrections and updates

While we strive for accuracy in every Ferret Fact Service check, we are only human.

Occasionally we may make errors, and if so we will say so. If an article is changed as a result, we will let you know what changes have been made at the bottom."

6.2 The policy sets out clear definitions of what it does and does not cover, how major mistakes, especially those requiring revised conclusions of a fact check, are handled, and the fact that some complaints may justify no response. This policy is adhered to scrupulously.

An examination of the applicant's corrections policy reveals that it meets the specified criteria by clearly defining the types of errors that are addressed, the process for handling them, and also outlining instances where certain complaints may not warrant a response.

https://theferret.scot/ferret-fact-service/

"Occasionally we may make errors, and if so we will say so. If an article is changed as a result, we will let you know what changes have been made at the bottom.

There may also be occasions where new information comes to light which could alter the conclusion of a fact check. If so, we may update the article to reflect the change, but the fact check should be seen as an assessment of veracity at the time of its completion.

Sometimes you may agree with the conclusion we come to and sometimes you may disagree.

We encourage you to email us via factcheck@theferret.scot and comment on Facebook and Twitter." 

https://community.theferret.scot/docs?topic=62

"If we do make a significant change to a story we will say so by adding a correction note to the story. This will explain what was changed, when it was changed and why.

We regard a significant change as anything that may alter the meaning or factual content of a story. So whilst we would not add a correction note if we had to fix a simple spelling or grammar error, most other changes to a story would require a correction note.

In some, very limited circumstances, there may times when adding a correction note may exacerbate an issue, or draw attention to, the reason a change to a story was made. For example, if we retrospectively decided to alter a story to better protect someone’s privacy. In these circumstances a decision will be taken at the discretion of the editorial committee and recorded privately.

If you think you have spotted a factual error or mistake in one of our stories, please contact us to let us know."

One correction added in the last year.

This fact-checking explainer was updated 9 days after publication due after an email was received by a reader.

The original article stated that the Scottish Government had introduced a rent freeze and eviction ban on September 6, 2022. This was queried by a reader who worked in the sector, and it was discovered the wording of the ScotGov statement had not been clear and in fact only the rent ban was coming into place.

The article was corrected to clarify, and a dated correction note was added. The reader who flagged the correction was thanked and sent the updated version.

https://theferret.scot/ffs-explains-scotland-rent-freeze/ 

The article provided by the applicant clearly shows a public correction in place: "This story was updated at 11.42 on 21/09/2022 to note that the rent freeze came into effect on 6 September but details of the eviction ban are still to be confirmed".

Another example: 

Claim SNP MSPs froze their pay at 2008 levels is Half True | January 3, 2023

https://theferret.scot/claim-snp-msps-2008-pay-freeze-half-true/

"Correction: This fact check has been updated to clarify that the pay amounts mentioned refer to gross, not take home pay."

None

I have added this section to the page: https://theferret.scot/ferret-fact-service/ 

All International Fact-Checking Network signatories must comply with the IFCN Code of Principles.

If you believe that Ferret Fact Service has violated the code, you can make a complaint via this link. The IFCN does not intervene over the accuracy of individual checks, but can do if you believe there has been a breach of the IFCN code. 

Not provided on the applicant's response and couldn't be found on its website - requiring change or waiver to become compliant.

 A review of the latest IFCN assessment of FFS (January 2022) features the applicant (which sought reaccreditation) stating: "should we be reaccredited, we will add the disclaimer about users informing the IFCN if they believe we are violating the code". To my understanding, they were reaccredited following that assessment - thus should update their website accordingly.

https://theferret.scot/ferret-fact-service/

The applicant has added the required section to their website. Compliant.

https://community.theferret.scot/docs?topic=62

OR

https://theferret.scot/transparency/

We are regulated by IMPRESS and have a dedicated complaints officer on our board.

Compliant, as present in the provided links and aligning with Section 6.1.