Sponsorship Policy
Operating Manual
Browse Operating Manual
Table of Contents
Table of contents
#Purpose
KBY Technologies may work with commercial organisations, industry partners and sponsors where those relationships align with our mission and values.
This policy defines how commercial relationships are managed while protecting the editorial independence that underpins every publication we produce.
Commercial opportunities should support our work.
They should never determine our editorial decisions.
#Our Commitment
Readers should be confident that editorial decisions are made in their best interests.
Editorial content is produced to educate, explain and inform.
Commercial relationships must never influence:
- Research findings.
- Editorial conclusions.
- Recommendations.
- Fact checking.
- Publication decisions.
- Corrections.
Trust always takes priority over commercial benefit.
#Editorial Independence
Editorial teams retain full independence over:
- Topic selection.
- Research methodology.
- Source selection.
- Editorial review.
- Publication decisions.
- Corrections and updates.
No sponsor, advertiser or commercial partner may require changes that compromise editorial integrity or factual accuracy.
#Sponsored Content
Where sponsored content is published, it should be clearly identified so readers can distinguish it from independent editorial content.
Labelling should be:
- Clear.
- Prominent.
- Honest.
- Easy to understand.
Readers should never be misled about the nature of a publication.
#Product Reviews and Recommendations
Where products, services or organisations are reviewed or recommended, conclusions should be based on evidence and genuine editorial judgement.
Commercial relationships must not influence ratings, rankings or recommendations.
If a conflict of interest exists, it should be disclosed where appropriate.
#Advertising
Advertising should remain clearly separate from editorial content.
Advertisements should not imitate editorial publications or create confusion about their purpose.
Readers should always understand when they are viewing advertising rather than independent editorial material.
#Gifts, Incentives and Benefits
Editorial decisions should never be influenced by gifts, incentives or other personal benefits.
Employees, contributors and contractors should avoid accepting anything that could reasonably compromise, or appear to compromise, editorial independence.
Perception matters as much as reality.
#Transparency
We believe transparency strengthens trust.
Where commercial relationships are relevant to a publication, we should consider whether disclosure would help readers better understand the context.
Readers should never have to guess whether commercial interests influenced our work.
#Commercial Partnerships
We seek partnerships with organisations whose values are compatible with our mission of producing trusted knowledge.
Commercial relationships should strengthen our ability to educate and inform without compromising our editorial standards.
Where those objectives conflict, editorial integrity takes precedence.
#Sponsorship Checklist
Before publishing sponsored or commercially connected content, confirm that:
- Editorial independence has been maintained.
- Facts have been verified.
- Recommendations are evidence-based.
- Appropriate disclosures have been made where necessary.
- Readers can clearly distinguish editorial content from advertising.
- The publication complies with all Editorial Standards.
Commercial relationships should never reduce the quality or independence of our work.
#In Practice
Before approving commercially connected content, ask yourself:
- Would we publish this without the commercial relationship?
- Has editorial judgement remained independent?
- Would a reader clearly understand any commercial connection?
- Have we been honest and transparent?
- Does this strengthen or weaken trust in KBY Technologies?
If the answer to any question is no, the publication should be reconsidered before release.