Ethical Sponsorship Policy

General conditions concerning sponsorship

  • There must be strong grounds for believing a sponsorship initiative will result in benefits to WESNET and its members.

  • There must be no attempt on behalf of a sponsor to influence WESNET’s policy in any way, either explicitly or implicitly.

  • The committee must be satisfied that WESNET’s reputation will not be harmed as a result of accepting funds from a sponsor.

Policy Statements

Four general principles form the basis of this policy:

  • Maintenance of independence

  • Partnership approach

  • Mutual benefit for all concerned

  • Integrity and openness

Maintenance of independence

WESNET is very careful when working with commercial organisations and their agents that its independent status is not compromised in any way. If there is a possibility that this may be placed in jeopardy WESNET will withdraw from any such initiative. WESNET will not embark upon or continue with any sponsorship, co-promotion or collaborate a venture which might damage its reputation.

Partnership approach

Where possible, relationships between WESNET and commercial companies should be based on a partnership approach.  Both sides should aim for a scenario where the two work together on practical initiatives (whilst preserving WESNET’s independence and credibility). Such initiatives might include, for example, a workshop to debate a shared issue of concern/interest,  whilst generating income to cover the costs of such an event and contribute to the on-going work of WESNET.

Mutual benefit for all concerned

WESNET recognises that successful partnerships depend on both parties gaining something.  Each should make efforts to understand the internal culture of and external pressures on the other. The broad benefits which each expects to gain should be openly set out during initial discussions.

Integrity and openness

WESNET aims to be transparent in its relationships with sponsors and associated activities. To enforce the above principals, the following internal procedures are in place:

  1. All potential sponsors are checked for their financial and ethical standing prior to any formal agreement being reached. 

  2. Any organisation that is or perceived to be associated with tobacco, the manufacture or distribution of alcohol, that profits from practices that cause environmental or ecological damage,  or any other initiatives which have a detrimental affect on health and welfare are not acceptable for sponsorship.

  3. Any organisation that does not promote and practise a work environment that is free from sexism, racism, homophobia and all forms of employee oppression will not be acceptable for sponsorship.

  4. In the event of an incident arising resulting in media or generating political attention, the sponsor must inform WESNET immediately.  WESNET also has a duty to keep the sponsor(s) informed of relevant information. WESNET reserves the right to take appropriate action to ensure its reputation is not adversely affected in anyway as a result of such incidents.

  5. Sponsorship is considered a business arrangement, therefore all aspects must be clear and explicit to all parties involved. All agreements are exchanged in writing and sponsors are required to endorse and abide by WESNET's ethical sponsorship policy.

  6. WESNET should be consulted whenever and wherever its name is used by sponsors, for both internal and external communications.  Approval must be sought for any copy produced which refers to a WESNET initiative supported/sponsored by a commercial organisation.

  7. At no time can WESNET logo be used without express written permission for every occasion it is used.

  8. At no time can press releases be issued which refer to WESNET without prior approval.

  9. WESNET staff and those working or acting on its behalf, are required to follow a code of conduct whereby they:

  • Act impartially in all their work;

  • Refuse gifts, benefits, hospitality or sponsorship of any kind which might be seen to compromise their personal judgement or integrity, or seek to exert influence to obtain preferential consideration;

  • Declare and register gifts, benefits, hospitality or sponsorship of any kind (provided that they are worth at least $30), whether refused or accepted.  Staff should use their professional judgement in deciding the relevance of such items.  Items of trivial character, or inexpensive gifts such as calendars can reasonably be excluded;

  • Declare financial or personal interest in any organisation with which they have to deal, and withdraw from those dealings if required;

  • Not misuse their official position or information acquired in the course of their official duties, to further private interests or those of others;

  • Beware of the potential for bias generated through sponsorship, where this might impinge on professional judgement and impartiality; and

  • Maintain confidentiality at all times.

Adopted February 2006.

Top

Please contact wesnet@wesnet.org.au
Page created 20 December 2000 | Page updated 13 August 2008