Sponsorship and Partnership Policy

Purpose

This policy sets out how Towerblock Radio CIC manages sponsorship and partnership relationships, ensuring they are ethical, transparent and do not compromise the organisation's independence or values.

Scope

This policy applies to all sponsorship and partnership arrangements, including corporate sponsorship, brand partnerships, venue partnerships, equipment partnerships and media partnerships.

Definitions

• Sponsorship means financial or in-kind support provided in exchange for recognition or association.
• Partnership means a formal relationship with an organisation that provides mutual benefit.
• Sponsor means an organisation that provides sponsorship.
• Editorial independence means the freedom to make content decisions without sponsor influence.

Responsibilities

The board reviews and approves sponsorship and partnership arrangements. The Finance Lead manages sponsorship finances. The Communications Lead manages sponsor recognition.

Policy Statement

Towerblock Radio CIC welcomes sponsorship and partnerships that support its mission and aligns with its values. All sponsorship arrangements are transparent, ethical and do not compromise editorial independence or the organisation's reputation.

Detailed Procedures

Criteria for acceptance

Sponsorship or partnership may be accepted where:

• It aligns with the mission and values of Towerblock Radio CIC.
• The sponsor's or partner's activities do not conflict with Towerblock Radio CIC's values.
• The arrangement does not compromise editorial independence.
• The arrangement does not create a conflict of interest.
• The financial or in-kind support is clearly defined.
• The arrangement does not create unacceptable dependency.

Due diligence

Before entering into a sponsorship or partnership, due diligence is conducted on the sponsor or partner, considering:

• The sponsor's or partner's reputation and public image.
• The sponsor's or partner's products, services and practices.
• Any potential conflicts of interest.
• Any risks to Towerblock Radio CIC's reputation.

Sponsorship agreement

All sponsorship arrangements must be documented in a written agreement that includes:

• The nature and value of the sponsorship.
• The recognition or benefits provided to the sponsor.
• The duration of the arrangement.
• Any restrictions or conditions.
• Editorial independence clause.
• Termination provisions.

Editorial independence

• Sponsors must not influence editorial content, music selection or programming decisions.
• Sponsored content must be clearly identified.
• Sponsors must not have approval rights over content (other than factual accuracy of their own messaging).

Recognition

• Sponsors are acknowledged on the website, in broadcasts or at events as agreed.
• Recognition must be accurate and not misleading.
• Towerblock Radio CIC does not endorse sponsor products or services beyond the agreed recognition.

Refusing sponsorship

Sponsorship may be declined where:

• The sponsor's activities conflict with Towerblock Radio CIC's values.
• The sponsor requires editorial influence.
• The arrangement would damage the organisation's reputation.
• The source of sponsor funds is illegal or unethical.

Transparency

• Sponsors and partners are listed on the website.
• Sponsored content is clearly identified.
• The annual report includes a summary of sponsorship income.

Reporting Process

Sponsorship and partnership arrangements are reported to the board at each meeting.

Compliance Requirements

• Community Interest Company Regulations 2005.
• Companies Act 2006.
• Bribery Act 2010.
• Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.
• CAP Code (advertising standards).

Monitoring

The board reviews sponsorship and partnership relationships annually.

Review Cycle

This policy shall be reviewed annually.

Version Number

Version 1.0

Approval Section

Approved by: Towerblock Radio CIC Board Date: July 2026 Next review: July 2027

Related Policies

• Funding Acceptance Policy
• Donor Acceptance Policy
• Fundraising Ethics Policy
• Editorial Standards Policy
• Conflict of Interest Policy

Website URL slug

/policies/sponsorship-partnership-policy

Meta Title

Sponsorship and Partnership Policy | Towerblock Radio

Meta Description

Towerblock Radio CIC's sponsorship and partnership policy covering criteria, due diligence, agreements, editorial independence, recognition, refusal and transparency.

Suggested menu category

Funding

Suggested search keywords

sponsorship, partnership, corporate sponsorship, editorial independence, due diligence, sponsor agreement, CAP Code