Our fact-check method
1. Verdict scale
| Verdict | Meaning |
|---|---|
| True | The claim matches the evidence and nothing significant is missing. |
| Mostly true | The core is right, but a minor detail is off or incomplete. |
| Half true | Parts are accurate, parts are wrong or exaggerated. |
| Needs context | Accurate on its own, but easily misread without context. |
| Misleading | Facts presented in a way that leads readers to a wrong conclusion. |
| False | Available evidence contradicts the claim. |
| Unproven | Not enough evidence to say either way. |
| Explainer | A piece that explains a subject rather than rating a single claim. |
2. What goes into the appointments tracker?
An appointment is listed only if at least one of these applies and a credible source reports it:
- A family relationship with the decision-maker or a top office-holder;
- Public questions that the appointment was made on party or personal closeness without open competition;
- Questions about qualifications, age, cooling-off period or legal eligibility;
- A formal complaint about the process, or allegations that scores/criteria were ignored;
- A conflict of interest.
“Controversial” does not mean illegal, corrupt or guilty. It only means questions have been raised in public and citizens deserve to know.
3. Evidence levels
- Documented: the appointment and the connection are confirmed by an official decision or more than one credible outlet.
- Reported: published by a credible outlet; not yet independently confirmed by us.
- Allegation: a complaint or allegation only; not established.
- Denied: formally denied by the government or the person.
4. Sourcing rules
- Primary sources first: government decisions, the Gazette, court orders, the original commission reports.
- Without a primary source, at least two independent credible outlets.
- A social media post alone is never treated as proof.
- Every photo carries its credit.
5. Right of reply
We seek the response of the person or institution we write about. Replies received after publication are added to the story.
6. On commission recommendations
Inquiry commission recommendations are not court verdicts. Nobody is called “guilty” without a final court judgment. We use the commissions’ own wording, such as “recommended for prosecution” or “further investigation”.