Decisions made by the Press Ombudsman are accessible on the Press Ombudsman’s part of the website, here. This section deals with complaints that were referred to the Press Council directly by the Press Ombudsman, and appeals to the Press Council against decisions of the Press Ombudsman
To lodge an appeal against a decision of the Press Ombudsman, the appellant, whether a complainant or a publication, must state grounds and show reasonable cause, either in relation to significant new information, or to any error in procedure or in the application of the Principles of the Code of Practice. Mere disagreement with a decision of the Press Ombudsman is not grounds for appeal.
The Press Council first of all decides on the admissibility of an appeal and, should the appeal be admitted, on the appeal itself. The Press Council makes its decisions on the basis of all of the documentation relating to the complaint, and there is normally no further communication with either side. The Press Council, however, reserves the right to forward details of any significant new information furnished by an appellant to the other party involved, should it regard this as necessary and appropriate, and to consider any response by the other party to such new information, as part of the appeal process.
The Press Ombudsman has no role in relation to the administration, management, timing or hearing of appeals against his decisions. He is not entitled to make any submissions to the Press Council in relation to any such appeals, and does not attend or participate in any discussions or decisions on appeals.