Rigorous methodology. Credible evidence. Responsible publication.
Our approach is grounded in established investigative journalism methodology. Every investigation follows a structured process of research, evidence gathering, expert consultation, verification and responsible publication. We do not cut corners. We do not publish speculation.
Every investigation begins with comprehensive desk research — analysing public records, academic literature, regulatory filings, corporate disclosures and previous reporting. This foundational work identifies patterns, gaps and lines of inquiry that merit deeper investigation.
We use freedom of information legislation strategically to obtain documents, data and correspondence that would otherwise remain undisclosed. FOI requests are a critical tool for uncovering information about decision-making processes, regulatory oversight and industry practices.
Where appropriate, we gather documentary evidence through filming, photography and audio recording. All documentary material is gathered lawfully and in accordance with ethical standards. Visual evidence is authenticated, verified and contextualised before publication.
We collaborate with subject matter experts — including scientists, veterinarians, legal professionals and industry specialists — to ensure our findings are accurate, contextualised and defensible. Expert consultation helps us identify what the evidence means and what it does not.
Before publication, every claim, every piece of evidence and every assertion undergoes rigorous verification. This includes independent fact-checking, legal review and — where relevant — right-of-reply processes. We do not publish until we are confident in our findings.
We publish our findings in a way that maximises public understanding while minimising harm. This means providing full context, distinguishing between evidence and interpretation, and avoiding sensationalism. Our goal is informed public discourse, not outrage.
We are transparent about our methods, our evidence and our limitations. Each investigation includes methodology notes explaining how the work was conducted, what evidence was obtained and what constraints applied. We believe the public deserves to know how investigative journalism is done.
All investigations and supporting resources are released under a free-to-use licence with responsible-use conditions. This allows journalists, researchers, educators and the public to build upon our work, while preventing sensationalism or misuse of the evidence we have gathered.
We are guided by principles that distinguish rigorous investigative journalism from advocacy or opinion. We do not set out to prove a conclusion; we follow the evidence wherever it leads. Our credibility depends on objectivity, accuracy and intellectual honesty.
We do not use hidden agendas, staged scenarios or misleading editing. Every piece of evidence is presented in its proper context. When we cannot verify a claim, we say so. When evidence is ambiguous, we acknowledge the ambiguity.
Thorough, evidence-based investigations require time and resources. Your support enables us to maintain these standards.
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