Mind will only enter into a partnership with a corporate partner if the following conditions apply:
Where appropriate Mind will provide recognition of corporate support in relevant Mind publications, sections of the website and other appropriate forums, and Mind's corporate funders will be disclosed in all financial reporting.
Mind will not accept support that could compromise who we are and what we do - or undermine our effectiveness in achieving our goals. Partnerships with companies whose commercial objectives would conflict with our goals and values, or which could promote inaccurate or misleading messages about our commitment to those goals and values would not be appropriate.
Mind will not accept money from or hold shares in companies manufacturing pharmaceuticals, lest this should compromise our position on the uses of medication. This policy and any future policy decision of this kind will be considered only after full consultation with Mind's key stakeholders. (See Mind's full ethical fundraising and investment policy, below.)
Other circumstances where there will be legitimate concern include - but not exclusively:
We are committed to retaining our independent stance in relation to the use of medication so that we can continue providing a voice for people with experience of mental distress. This policy is also binding on all local Mind associations, as provided for in their affiliation agreement.
Mind and local Mind association staff may not accept sponsorship or donations from pharmaceutical companies for their own events.
Mind and local Mind association staff may attend conferences, seminars or other events run by other organisations that are sponsored by pharmaceutical companies provided they do not directly benefit financially from such attendance. This would prohibit the acceptance of fees and expenses to participate in such events.
Mind staff will not normally speak at events sponsored by pharmaceutical companies. However, the Chief Executive will review specific requests and may give dispensation to speak.
The definition of pharmaceutical manufacturers does not extend to retailers like chemists who predominantly manufacture own brand over the counter medication, unless they are significant manufacturers of pharmaceuticals associated with the treatment of mental health issues.
Companies who produce alternative remedies, ie St John's Wort, vitamins, etc are also excluded from this policy.
Individuals who work for a pharmaceutical company will not be excluded from donating or taking part in Mind events as this would result in unfairly penalising individuals on the basis of where they work. However, they will be precluded from entering into match funding arrangements with their organisation, as Mind will not accept match-funds from pharmaceutical manufacturers.