The Context
The Leveson Inquiry into the culture, practice and ethics of the press reported on the 29 November 2012. All political parties agreed to implement the Inquiry’s recommendations including one of Leveson’s key proposals: that the press and news publishing industry should regulate itself but that there should be some independent verification (or ‘recognition’) of the regulatory arrangements put in place. On 30 October 2013 a Royal Charter was granted which established the Press Recognition Panel (PRP) – a fully and uniquely independent body – to provide that independent verification. On 3 November 2014, the PRP came into formal existence.
The Organisation
The PRP has four principal functions enshrined in the Royal Charter:
- Determining applications for recognition from Regulators [of the press and news publishers].
- Reviewing whether a Regulator which has been granted recognition shall continue to be recognised.
- Withdrawing recognition from a Regulator where the Recognition Panel is satisfied that the Regulator ceases to be entitled to recognition; and
- Reporting on any success or failure of the recognition system.
The Board is responsible for the conduct, management, business and operation of the independent PRP – ensuring it complies with the requirements set out in the Royal Charter.
One regulator applied to be independently assessed by the PRP and in October 2016, the PRP recognised IMPRESS following a robust and thorough assessment during an open session of the PRP Board meeting. IMPRESS is also subject to the PRP’s system of ad hoc and cyclical reviews to ensure it continues to meet the Royal Charter standards.
The Current Board Consists Of:
- Chair, Kathryn Cearns – appointment term to 2 November 2025.
- Annie Mullins – appointment term to 2 November 2025.
- Zahera Harb – appointment term to 1 September 2027.
- Suzanne Rab – appointment term to 1 September 2027.
- Mark Williams – appointment term to 23 January 2028.
Further details about the PRP can be found on our website, including details of the PRP’s Business Plan and budget, past annual reports and financial statements as audited by the NAO and reports on the recognition system as laid in Parliament.