Ofcom as Recognition Body
The role of recognition body, that is to say, to recognise and certify that any particular body satisfies (and, on review, continues to satisfy) the requirements set out in law should fall on Ofcom. A less attractive alternative (on the basis that any individual will not have the requisite authority or experience and will only be occasionally be required to fulfil these functions) is for the appointment of an independent Recognition Commissioner supported by officials at Ofcom.
How was this assessed?
Response
Accepted in Part
Response
Accepted in PartThe government established a Royal Charter on Self-Regulation of the Press (granted 30 October 2013) and passed the Crime and Courts Act 2013 as its legislative response. This was an alternative to the statutory framework Leveson recommended. The Press Recognition Panel was created under the Royal Charter as the recognition body. The Prime Minister stated on 29 November 2012 that he accepted the principles but had "serious concerns and misgivings" about statutory underpinning. Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/david-cameron-statement-in-response-to-the-leveson-inquiry-report
Published Evidence
Published assessments of implementation progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Check the source type badge to see whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
Leveson recommended Ofcom as the recognition body. Instead, the Royal Charter created a separate Press Recognition Panel. The PRP is operational but is a less established body than Ofcom and has limited influence given that the major press refuses to engage with the recognition system.
View detailed findings
The recognition role was given to the PRP rather than Ofcom as Leveson recommended. The PRP functions but has limited practical influence.