In this newly created role based in the UK, Paul will also have oversight of readers’ complaints to Guardian US and Guardian Australia, ensuring that a fast, fair and transparent complaints process is practised globally, says the company.
Paul’s appointment follows the departure of the former Guardian readers’ editor, Chris Elliott. Paul will report directly into The Scott Trust, maintaining independence and impartiality for the Guardian’s internal complaints processes.
A journalist and lawyer, Paul was previously the Director of Editorial Policies of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation where he led reform of the public broadcaster’s self regulation framework. He led the revision of the Australian Journalists’ Association ethics code and is also the recipient of a Walkley Award for most outstanding contribution to journalism. Paul has acted as a non-executive director of Guardian Australia since 2012. He has also held statutory office as the first Privacy Commissioner of the State of Victoria between 2001 to 2006.
Paul Chadwick said: “The Guardian has a fine tradition of effective readers’ editors and I look forward to playing a part in this valued journalism institution in what is a radically changing global media environment.”
Dame Liz Forgan, chair of The Scott Trust, said: “I am delighted that Paul is taking up the role of global readers’ editor. Paul is a hugely experienced journalist with an excellent legal pedigree, therefore I am confident that he will ensure that the Guardian’s high standards of fairness and transparency are adhered to across the world.”
