Research & Investigations Unit
The team and methodology behind our investigative work
The Research & Investigations Unit is the operational arm of this publication, responsible for conducting thorough, evidence-based investigations into matters of public interest. Our team combines journalistic expertise with research methodology to produce rigorously sourced investigative reports.
How We Work
1. Evidence Collection
Every investigation begins with systematic evidence collection. We gather primary source documents, court records, correspondence, and other verifiable materials. All evidence is catalogued, authenticated, and preserved according to established archival standards.
2. Cross-Verification
All significant claims undergo cross-verification against multiple independent sources. We employ a structured verification protocol that requires documentary support, witness corroboration, or expert confirmation before factual claims are published.
3. Editorial Oversight
Investigations undergo multiple stages of editorial review before publication. Each piece is examined for factual accuracy, fair representation, proper sourcing, and compliance with our ethical standards. Legal review is conducted where appropriate.
4. Right of Reply
Before publication, all subjects of investigation are afforded meaningful opportunity to respond. We document all correspondence and publish responses (or noted failures to respond) alongside our findings.
Investigation Workflow
Initial Assessment
Tip evaluation
Evidence Gathering
Document collection
Verification
Cross-checking
Right of Reply
Subject notification
Publication
Editorial review
The Team
Gareth Peters
Lead Investigator
Former contributor to national UK newsrooms and international wire services, with 15+ years experience in investigative journalism. Specialises in media ethics and cross-border accountability.
Research Associates
Research Team
The Investigations Unit is supported by research associates with expertise in document analysis, legal research, and open-source intelligence. Team members work on specific investigations as required.
Document Handling & Security
We maintain strict protocols for document handling and information security:
- Secure Storage: All evidence is stored in encrypted, access-controlled systems with comprehensive audit trails.
- Chain of Custody: Documentary evidence maintains documented chain of custody from receipt through publication.
- Source Protection: Confidential sources are protected through compartmentalised information handling and secure communication channels.
- Retention Policy: Evidence is retained for a minimum of seven years following publication to support any necessary legal defence of published material.
Submit Information
If you have information relevant to our investigative work, we welcome your contact. All communications are treated confidentially, and source protection is paramount.
Contact the Research Unit