16. Professionalism in the Media Outlet
16.1. Recruitment and Training
There shall be professional guidelines for the recruitment and training of editorial staff. This includes responsibilities for implementing diversity policy and staff welfare. Recruitment policy, (use of open competition etc.) and staff welfare principles should be publicly available.
Do you have guidelines for the recruitment and training of editorial staff?
No16.2. Working Conditions, Contract Policy and Labour Relations
Journalistic principles and practice should be supported by the organisational environment including protection for journalistic integrity through adherence to labour laws and regulations, transparency of contract policy and freedom to organise. The duration or nature of the contract should not inhibit a journalist from operating in an ethical manner and the organisation structure should protect that principle.
Do the regulations and guidelines for the employment of staff and engagement of contract journalists protect their editorial independence?
N/AAre your employees (including freelance) covered by legal contracts and insurance?
N/ADoes your staff have the freedom to organise?
N/ADo you have an existing structure for social dialogue including a collective bargaining arrangement with appropriate trade unions?
YesAre there guidelines for contracts of engagement with freelance journalists?
No16.3. Staff Welfare
Responsibility for the welfare of staff and those contracted on a freelance basis should be an important part of a Media Outlet’s role. Organisational Editorial Guidelines should be protective against any form of discrimination and supportive of equality of opportunity. It should ensure safety at work and in the working environment (including remote and online) and have guidelines, which support staff who have been exposed to material of a sensitive or upsetting nature or have suffered physical or psychological harm in the course of their work.