How we work
Editorial standards
These standards describe how Checks Out aims to make its calculators and guides clear, useful and accountable. They do not imply that every page has been reviewed by a regulated professional. Where a qualified review has occurred, the page should name the reviewer and date.
Accuracy before volume
We aim to base time-sensitive rules, thresholds and rates on primary sources such as GOV.UK, regulators, the NHS and official scheme administrators. A source should be linked close to the claim it supports wherever practical.
We do not treat a new publication date as evidence that content was checked. Pages should display a review date only after a meaningful verification.
Plain English and clear limitations
We explain technical subjects in direct language, identify important exclusions and distinguish an indicative estimate from an official decision. Legal, financial, medical, tax, mortgage and immigration information is general information, not regulated advice.
Authors and reviewers
Checks Out does not invent bylines or credentials. A named author or reviewer should appear only when that person contributed to or checked the published version. Reviewer profiles should state relevant qualifications, scope and any commercial interests.
Independence and commercial content
Commercial relationships should not change calculator results or factual conclusions. Where Checks Out may benefit from an enquiry or referral, that relationship should be explained before a user submits personal information. See how we make money.
Corrections
Material errors should be corrected promptly and, where the change affects a decision, recorded transparently. Readers can use the contact page to report a possible error.