diff --git a/portality/bll/services/application.py b/portality/bll/services/application.py
index ced41804cc..797fdfa992 100644
--- a/portality/bll/services/application.py
+++ b/portality/bll/services/application.py
@@ -692,7 +692,13 @@ def validate_update_csv(self, file_path, account: models.Account):
                 if not fc.validate():
                     for k, v in fc.form.errors.items():
                         question = Journal2PublisherUploadQuestionsXwalk.q(k)
-                        pos = header_row.index(question)
+                        try:
+                            pos = header_row.index(question)
+                        except:
+                            # this is because the validation is on a field which is not in the csv, so it must
+                            # be due to an existing validation error in the data, and not something the publisher
+                            # can do anything about
+                            continue
                         now = row.get(question)
                         was = [v for q, v in journal_questions if q == question][0]
                         if isinstance(v[0], dict):
diff --git a/portality/scripts/journals_update_via_csv.py b/portality/scripts/journals_update_via_csv.py
index a9073a2325..c87f252612 100644
--- a/portality/scripts/journals_update_via_csv.py
+++ b/portality/scripts/journals_update_via_csv.py
@@ -7,15 +7,11 @@
 
 If environment variable DOAJ_CSV_NOTE is set, the supplied note will be applied to all created update requests.
 
-Input CSV must have ID as first column, then the JournalCSV columns following. Turn off strict checking with -f to allow
-updates from a mis-shapen CSV file.
-
-NOTE: depending on which fields are required, we may need to add new value transformations in the xwalk from
-      CSV columns questions back to the form. See portality/crosswalks/journal_questions.py
+Input CSV is a standard DOAJ journal CSV
 
 Usage: e.g. for a dry-run first with a malformed CSV
 export DOAJ_CSV_NOTE='UR autogenerated after publisher CSV uploaded. Change to URL and/or APCS.'
-DOAJENV=production python -u journals_update_via_csv.py -i <input_csv_path.csv> -o <output_report_path.csv> -s -f -d | tee <output_log_path.txt>
+DOAJENV=production python -u journals_update_via_csv.py -i <input_csv_path.csv> -a adminuser -d | tee <output_log_path.txt>
 
 Check the report for errors and the output for expected changes, then run without -d to apply the updates.
 """