Submissions policy

Learning News submissions policy is there to ensure that news content is good quality, newsworthy and accurate.

This policy is here to help contributors produce high-quality, newsworthy and relevant content for Learning News. It outlines what we’re looking for to help produce the level and quality of submission required. 

All submissions must be the author’s or their organisation’s own original work. By submitting content, authors warrant that they have the right to use all material included, that no copyright or other rights of any person or organisation are infringed, and that they have the right, and where required permission, to publish the content on Learning News. 

All submissions are published at the discretion of Learning News and may be edited by Learning News.

1. General Guidelines

  • News, not adverts: Submissions must be informative and editorial in tone. Content that appears overly advertorial or overly sales-focused will be edited or rejected.
  • No sales promos or pricing: We do not allow offers, giveaways, or pricing (free or otherwise) as a key theme or in headlines and synopses.
  • Focus on workplace learning: Learning News only covers learning, training, coaching, education and other workplace learning topics.
  • Help with quality: Well-written, substantial stories maintain our reputation as a reliable news source. We’re happy to advise if you're unsure about your submission’s suitability.
  • Original insight: Submissions should offer original insight, analysis or experience. Content that is largely generic or formulaic, or that restates widely known ideas without adding perspective, insight or analysis, may be edited or rejected.

2. News Announcements

  • New or change: Submissions should focus on what’s new or changing.
  • Third person: Submissions must be written in the third person, as a formal announcement from the organisation.
  • Your organisation: Submissions must be specifically about the issuing organization, such as its activities, people, markets, research, customer projects, services, products or thought leadership.
  • Event-related news should focus on the event’s value, not just the fact of participation.
  • Newsworthy: News announcements must be newsworthy, offering genuine potential interest to the outside world. Authors are encouraged to pay attention to 'uncovering' the real heart of the story. 

3. Articles

  • We welcome articles offering original insight, research, case studies and opinion.
  • Substantive: Articles should be substantive, well-argued and original. Short blogs or brief commentary is not accepted.
  • CTAs: A modest call to action is fine, but articles should not be promotional.
  • References: Include references for data, quotes or external sources. We may request evidence for claims.
  • Articles should demonstrate a clear point of view, evidence-based insight, or practical experience that goes beyond general industry commentary.

4. Accuracy and Claims

  • Responsibility: Authors are responsible for the accuracy of their content. It should be clear, unambiguous and truthful.
  • Opinions should be presented as quotes, with clear attribution.
  • Claims: Avoid exaggerated or comparative claims unless independently supported and verifiable; References to other companies, products or services for the purpose of comparison are not permitted.

5. Use of Generative AI

Contributors may use generative AI tools to assist with drafting or editing. However:

  • Submissions must reflect human judgement, original insight or experience
  • AI-generated content should not be submitted without substantial human review, shaping and verification
  • Learning News does not accept content that is primarily generic, formulaic or promotional in nature, regardless of how it is produced
  • Guidelines on the use of generative AI

6. Reposting and Uniqueness

  • Do not resubmit previously published content or reuse sections from older posts.
  • Each submission must be unique and offer fresh value to readers.

7. Industry Events

  • You can tag your post to an event if you have an official role (e.g. exhibitor, sponsor, speaker).
  • Emphasise what’s being presented or launched, not just attendance.
  • No promotions, prize draws or giveaways.
  • Guidelines on writing news about exhibiting at tradeshows.

8. Reasonable Use

  • Subscribers can post as often as they wish, but content must be newsworthy and not repetitive.
  • Frequent posts on the same theme (e.g. client wins or product launches) will be reviewed for uniqueness and interest.

9. Images and Videos

  • Use high-quality 16:9 images (not logos) for best results on social and email.
  • Videos (YouTube/Vimeo only) are welcome and can be placed at the top or end of your story. Include a still image for best presentation.
  • Ensure you have permission and or licences where required. All uploaded material is your responsibility.

10. Webinars and Online Events

11. Writing Guidelines

  • Write in clear, professional English. Both UK and US English are accepted.
  • Headlines and synopses should be short (under 12 and 50 words respectively).
  • Avoid all-caps, exclamation marks, and sales promotion terms like “free”, “sign up now”, or “only £X”.
  • No mention of price in headlines and synopses.
  • Use links thoughtfully—link around meaningful/descriptive text, not around verbs or calls to action.
  • Avoid use of ™, ®, and business designations in headlines and synopses.
  • Learning News recommends the BBC News style guide as a guide for news punctuation, grammar and writing. 

If you are not sure whether your news complies with these guidelines please e-mail it to us and we'll take a look, without charge and let you know. Additionally for a fee we will edit or re-write a news announcement for you. E-mail it to [email protected] for a quotation.