PCC year at a glance

June

June

PCC hosts seminar on mental health reporting

The PCC, partnering the Royal College of Psychiatrists and Shift, held a seminar on mental health reporting which was chaired by Trisha Goddard. This was the first event of its kind, and was attended by senior fi gures from every newspaper group. It allowed experts in the fi eld of mental health to share concerns with the industry, and establish grounds for agreement to improve mental health reporting in the future. A PCC representative also spoke at a seminar for those working in the mental health sector in Scotland.

The PCC sees events like these as key to its role of maintaining and improving standards.

Proactive approach: the Cumbria shootings

Throughout the year, PCC staff become aware of incidents that attract widespread or intense media attention. At that point, we make ourselves available to those who might need our help. This may include approaching family representatives, police, lawyers, hospitals or local MPs.

On 2nd June, the PCC became aware of the shootings in Cumbria, in which Derrick Bird killed 12 people. When the first reports came in, the PCC immediately got in touch with the local police, hospitals and other emergency service providers. Over the ensuing days, we were in regular contact with the police, and helped one family who did not wish to be contacted by the press.

The Director of the PCC later visited Cumbria, to speak with those affected by the tragedy. He also wrote an open letter to the local paper, calling for any complaints. In 2011, we have worked with police and the Coroner to pass on the requests of several local families that they should not be further contacted by the media.

Health Network event

A senior member of PCC staff spoke at the West Midlands NHS Communications Network. The PCC has sought to establish and improve its links with health care providers, as they represent a constituency of people (those suffering ill health and their families) who are accorded strong protections under the Code of Practice and may be in need of the PCC in dealing with concerns about the press.

Oxford Union debate

Baroness Buscombe took part in, and was on the winning side of, an Oxford Union debate entitled 'This house believes that a public person has no right to a private life'. She opposed the motion, alongside celebrity lawyer Keith Schilling, Max Mosley and Andrew Caldecott QC.

Director appears before Scottish Parliament Committee

Stephen Abell, the Director of the PCC, was invited before the Equal Opportunities Committee of the Scottish Parliament, as part of its Migration and Trafficking Inquiry, to discuss coverage of migrants in the Scottish Press.

His evidence can be seen here.