1. Start with primary sources
Where possible, use the responsible public body's publication, official statistics, legislation, Parliament material, regulator report, court publication or original document rather than a secondary summary.
Our Evidence-Checking Method
The aim is to make it clear what the source says, when it applies, and where Right First Time UK has added explanation, analysis or a campaign position.
2. Record the date
Check when the information was published or last updated. Pages should show a checked or updated date where the information could change over time.
3. Check the period and population
Statistics should state the period and, where relevant, the country, service, case group or population they cover. Historical or limited data should not be presented as if it automatically describes the present day or everyone.
4. Read definitions and notes
Official statistics can be revised and different measures can look similar while counting different things. Definitions, footnotes and revision notes should be checked before drawing conclusions.
5. Separate evidence from interpretation
Official information and published records should be distinguished from RFTUK explanation, analysis, concerns, proposals or campaign views.
6. Link readers to the source
Where possible, provide a direct link to the original publication so readers can inspect the source, tables and methodology for themselves.
7. Correct material when needed
If a source changes, a link breaks, a statistic is revised or RFTUK has published something inaccurate, the page should be checked and corrected rather than leaving known errors in place.
8. Keep personal testimony labelled
Lived experience and submitted accounts can be important evidence of people's experiences, but they should not be presented as an official finding unless independently supported by an official or verified source.
Four labels readers should be able to recognise
- Official information: material issued by the responsible authority or official statistical body.
- Published record: FOI material, reports, audits, consultations, parliamentary documents and other public records.
- RFTUK explanation: plain-language explanation of the process or source.
- RFTUK analysis or campaign: our interpretation, concerns, reform proposals or campaign position.
Method page checked and updated: 29 September 2026.
Check the Source Yourself
These are the main starting points used across the transparency pages.
Government & official publications
Use GOV.UK for departments, services, official statistics, policy papers, consultations and transparency releases.
Parliament & legislation
Use Parliament and legislation.gov.uk for bills, committees, inquiries, debates, Acts and statutory instruments.
Statistics & data
Use ONS and subject-specific official statistical publications for current data, definitions, methodology and revisions.
Contracts & procurement
Use Contracts Finder and Find a Tender for public procurement notices and award information covered by those services.
Found Something Wrong?
If a source, date, link or statement appears wrong or out of date, report it so it can be checked.