Ethical Collaboration Policy

EGAN's policy for collaborating with other organisations

This policy details how EGAN will consider all its collaborations, including partnerships, sponsorship and joint working.

Guiding Principles

Maintenance of independence

EGAN is careful when collaborating with other organisations and individuals that its independent status and its autonomy is not compromised in any way. If there is any possibility that this may be placed in jeopardy we will withdraw from any such activity or initiative. EGAN will not be led by money into positions which are not in the interests of the patients it represents.

Mutual respect

EGAN’s collaborations are intended to influence change, and generate shared learning, as well as income. It is important that both parties respect the expertise and skills that the other brings over and above any financial benefits.
EGAN will not share or sell the details of its membership or networks. EGAN will not promote or endorse products or services from supporters, partners or third parties to our members and contacts through email. Any dissemination, promotion or endorsement will be at the discretion of EGAN.

Integrity and transparency

EGAN aims to be transparent in its relationships with other organisations and individuals. There must be strong grounds for believing a formal collaboration will result in benefits to EGAN and its work. It should always be made explicit what each party is bringing and gaining from a formal relationship. EGAN will also be transparent about who it is working with and the nature of the relationship and work.

Shared goals 

EGAN will seek collaborators whose goals, values and actions promote and/or enable good health. Specifically, we will not work with any organisation that is associated with tobacco. Each collaborator will be judged on a case by case basis.

Obligations of Supporters and Partners

In the event of any matter arising which could significantly adversely affect the standing of the supporter or partner in their reasonable opinion, they must inform EGAN as soon as reasonably practical. EGAN also has a duty to keep the supporter or partner informed of relevant information. EGAN reserves the right to take appropriate action to ensure its reputation is not adversely affected in any way as a result of such incidents. 
A formal collaboration is considered a business arrangement; therefore all aspects must be clear and explicit to all parties involved. All agreements are exchanged in writing and supporters or partners are required to endorse and abide by the ethical collaboration policy. 

EGAN should be consulted whenever and wherever its name or its project names are used by supporters or partners, for both internal and external communications. Approval must be sought for any copy produced which refers to an initiative from EGAN that is supported/sponsored by a supporter or partner organisation or individual. 

At no time can  EGAN’s logo be used without express written permission for every occasion it is used. 
At no time can press releases be issued that refer to EGAN without our prior approval. 

Staff, volunteers and trustees on both sides should beware the potential for bias generated through collaborations, where this might impinge on professional judgment and impartiality. 
Both parties commit to confidentiality requirements at all times.

Conflicts of Interest 

EGAN’s aim and mission give guidance to establish which collaborations are appropriate. Successful collaboration requires mutual respect and transparency of benefits. When establishing a new collaboration, both parties should endeavour to ensure that there are no conflicts of interest that cannot be safely managed. 
To help ensure potential conflicts of interest are identified and managed appropriately: 
EGAN gives no warranty that the deliverables of a collaboration will not contain any material that may be disadvantageous to its collaborator’s business or area of work (for example, it will present research findings determined by objective analysis of available evidence regardless of whether they support a collaborator’s work or position).

Funders of activities and projects will have no direct control over analysis, conclusions, positions or recommendations by EGAN. In the case of partnership projects or joint activities, the rules of engagement for establishing outcomes must be agreed beforehand and should be transparent.
EGAN will be open about other collaborations with organisations working in the same areas or sectors and expects the same approach from its supporters. EGAN will not allow direct access to its members and wider networks by third parties (other than those generated directly by collaboration).
EGAN will not allow supporters to link or imply direct material benefits for their products through an association with the charity.

Speaker places at EGAN events are determined by EGAN entirely on merit and cannot be determined by any formal supporter or sponsorship arrangements.