Code of Conduct
Last updated: 10 June, 2026
Archipelago has a responsibility to be truthful and act with integrity toward readers, contributors, partners, destinations and communities around the world.
This code of conduct sets out the standards that guide how Archipelago works, publishes, collaborates and makes decisions. It applies to everyone who works with Archipelago, including employees, freelancers, contractors, contributors, suppliers, partners and representatives.
The Archipelago code of conduct extends beyond legal compliance. Archipelago strives to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, editorial excellence, transparency, fairness and accountability across the entire organisation.
Compliance with Laws and Regulations
Archipelago complies with all applicable laws and regulations in the United Kingdom and in the jurisdictions where operations take place.
All employees, contractors and partners are expected to understand and comply with the legal requirements relevant to their work, including laws relating to employment, publishing, copyright, privacy, competition, anti-bribery and data protection.
Archipelago maintains a zero-tolerance approach to disregard for laws by both the organisation and its partners. Please view our privacy policy and terms and conditions for further information.
Human Rights and Modern Slavery
Archipelago is committed to respecting and protecting human rights throughout its business and supply chain.
Archipelago maintains zero tolerance for:
Forced labour
Human trafficking
Child labour
Debt bondage
Exploitative working conditions
Any form of modern slavery
In accordance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015, Archipelago seeks to ensure that operations, suppliers and business relationships reflect fair and lawful labour practices.
Suppliers, contractors and partners are expected to uphold similar standards and take reasonable steps to identify and address risks within their own supply chains.
Fair Payment and Responsible Contracting
Archipelago is committed to paying employees, freelancers and partners fairly, lawfully and within agreed and reasonable timelines. Exploitative working terms are avoided, and unpaid work or additional services without payment are never expected.
The role played by freelance writers, researchers, editors and creators is recognised as essential, and relationships are built on professionalism, fairness and mutual respect.
Editorial Excellence and Quality
Archipelago is committed to producing content that is accurate, well researched and fact-checked where appropriate. Writing is thoughtfully edited, clearly written and responsible in its representation of people and places.
Editorial processes are designed to promote accuracy, clarity and trustworthiness while preserving the unique voice and perspective of contributors.
Archipelago strives to ensure that all published material meets high standards of craftsmanship, journalism and storytelling.
Information is presented accurately and fairly, with clear distinctions between fact, analysis and opinion.
Misleading claims, omissions and sensationalism are avoided. Sponsored, paid-for or promotional content is clearly identified, and relevant conflicts of interest are disclosed with complete transparency.
Complete neutrality may not always be achievable in travel writing and journalism. However, subjects are approached fairly, differing perspectives are acknowledged, and personal, political or commercial interests are not permitted to distort reporting.
Editorial decisions are made independently. Commercial relationships, advertising partnerships, sponsorships, affiliate arrangements and external pressures must never dictate the substance of editorial content.
Contributors and editors are expected to disclose any personal, financial or professional relationships that could reasonably be perceived as influencing editorial judgement.
Readers should be able to trust that content is guided by editorial merit rather than commercial influence.
Further information about Archipelago's approach to writing and coverage can be found in the Editorial Policy.
Respect for Communities, Cultures and Destinations
Travel journalism carries a responsibility to represent places and people thoughtfully.
Archipelago:
Avoids harmful stereotypes
Respects cultural differences
Represents communities accurately and fairly
Promotes responsible travel practices
Considers the impact of coverage on destinations and local populations
Avoids exploitative or extractive storytelling
Archipelago believes travel media should foster understanding, curiosity and respect between people and cultures.
Intellectual Property and Plagiarism
Originality is fundamental to the work produced by Archipelago. There is a strict, zero-tolerance approach to plagiarism. All contributors are expected to create original work, attribute sources appropriately, respect copyright laws and obtain relevant permissions.
Any allegations of plagiarism or copyright infringement will be investigated seriously and may result in corrective action, termination of relationships or even legal action. If you identify writing that looks like it has been plagiarised, or is very similar to content that existed before the date of publication, please share it via the corrections page.
Anti-Bribery and Corruption
Archipelago maintains a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption.
Archipelago complies with the UK Bribery Act 2010 and prohibits the receipt of gifts in exchange for biased reporting, payments unrelated to services rendered, biased coverage or any decision-making influenced by third parties.
Business decisions must be based on merit, fairness and legitimate commercial considerations. Any products, hospitality or benefits received, whether accepted or declined, are logged, declared in annual compliance reporting and remain fully relevant to journalistic activity.
Conflicts of Interest
Individuals working with Archipelago must avoid situations where personal interests conflict, or appear to conflict, with professional responsibilities. Conflicts should be disclosed promptly so they can be assessed and managed appropriately.
Inclusion, Diversity and Equal Opportunity
Archipelago is committed to creating an inclusive environment in which everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Discrimination, harassment, bullying or victimisation are not tolerated on the basis of:
Age
Disability
Race
Ethnicity
Nationality
Religion or belief
Sex
Sexual orientation
Gender identity
Marital status
Pregnancy or maternity
Any other protected characteristic
Diverse perspectives are valued, and inclusion is recognised as strengthening both the workplace and the journalism produced by Archipelago. Representation among contributors, sources and stories is actively broadened, and hiring and contracting decisions are always based on skill and value rather than personal characteristics.
Archipelago maintains a comprehensive Accessibility Policy and will make every reasonable effort to provide additional arrangements for contractors and partners with accessibility requirements, regardless of diagnosis or individual circumstances.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing
Archipelago is committed to providing a safe working environment for employees and contractors where applicable. Individuals are encouraged to raise concerns regarding health, safety or wellbeing without fear of stigma or retaliation.
Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility
Archipelago is fully committed to reducing the environmental impact of operations and supporting responsible travel practices. Sustainability is recognised as an ongoing responsibility that requires continuous learning and action.
Environmental impact is mitigated through sustainable choices relating to working locations, transport options and travel undertaken for journalistic purposes.
Political Independence and Neutrality
Archipelago is not aligned with any political party, movement or ideology. Thoughtful discussion and diverse viewpoints are encouraged while maintaining editorial independence.
Editorial decisions must never be driven by political pressure, partisan interests or ideological agendas. Responsibility remains with readers and the pursuit of accurate, responsible and informative storytelling. See the Editorial Policy for further information on neutrality and bias avoidance.
Community Impact and Social Responsibility
Archipelago recognises that writing can influence perceptions, behaviours and travel decisions. Positive contributions are sought through promoting understanding across cultures, supporting responsible tourism and highlighting underrepresented voices and perspectives.
Readers and partners are encouraged to respect local communities and act as responsible stewards of the platform. Archipelago aims to leave a positive impact through the stories published and the relationships built.
Reporting Concerns and Whistleblowing
Everyone associated with Archipelago has a responsibility to raise concerns about conduct that may be unlawful, unethical or inconsistent with this Code.
Concerns may include:
Editorial misconduct
Plagiarism
Harassment or discrimination
Corruption or bribery
Fraud
Human rights abuses
Data breaches
Safety concerns
Environmental misconduct
Reports will be treated seriously and investigated appropriately. No individual will suffer retaliation, intimidation or adverse treatment for raising concerns made in good faith. Archipelago is committed to maintaining a culture where speaking up is encouraged and protected. Use the Contact page to raise any concerns or share details.
Supplier and Partner Expectations
Suppliers, contractors and business partners are expected to uphold standards consistent with this Code. Archipelago seeks relationships with organisations that share the commitments outlined in this Code of Conduct. Where significant concerns arise, the right is reserved to review or terminate business relationships.
Continuous Learning and Improvement
Archipelago is committed to reviewing and improving practices on an ongoing basis. Constructive feedback from readers, contributors, partners and stakeholders is welcomed, and continuous improvement is viewed as an essential part of maintaining trust.
To raise an issue or provide feedback, please get in touch.