Editorial Guidelines

At The Fourth Plate, our journalism is driven by curiosity, rigour and respect. We explore the intersections of food, culture, agriculture, climate, and community across the Global South and beyond. These guidelines ensure our work remains accurate, ethical, inclusive, and engaging for our readers.

 

Language and Style

We follow UK English spelling and grammar conventions. Headlines use sentence case and sub-headings guide readers through long pieces. Writers should aim for clarity and rhythm: short sentences for pace, longer ones for depth. Jargon, clichés, and corporate language are discouraged.

Every article should sound informed yet conversational; they must be credible and strive not to be academic in tone. Quotations must be accurate, attributed and approved where necessary. Figures and units should conform to international standards (SI units, metric system, GBP/USD equivalents where relevant).

 

Accuracy and Sources

All content must be evidence-based. Verify facts using at least two independent, credible sources. When citing research, link to the original publication. Avoid speculation or unverified claims. Editors reserve the right to request supporting documentation for any data point. Corrections should be published promptly and transparently when errors occur.

 

Voice and Values

Our editorial voice is curious, compassionate and constructive. We give space to under-represented perspectives, covering farmers, artisans, scientists and activists, without resorting to stereotype or tokenism. We strive for balance: stories should illuminate complexity, not simplify it. Contributors are expected to respect cultural sensitivities and acknowledge the communities whose stories they tell.

 

Ethics and Integrity

We maintain independence from advertisers, sponsors, and political bodies. Sponsored content must be clearly labelled. Conflicts of interest must be disclosed in writing to the editor. Plagiarism and undisclosed image manipulation are prohibited. Photographs and videos should respect privacy and obtain consent wherever identifiable individuals appear.

 

Structure and Formatting

Each article must include:

• A headline under 70 characters with a clear keyword focus
• A 140–160 character stand-first
• Internal links to related stories or category pages
• Author bio (50–80 words) including expertise and region.

Review and Publication

Submissions undergo fact-checking, editorial review, and SEO optimisation before publication. Writers should remain open to revisions and headline adjustments for clarity and search relevance. The final responsibility for tone, accuracy, and presentation rests with the editorial team.