This policy describes the different types of endorsements COPE may agree to support, what COPE will not endorse, and how to make a request for endorsement.
COPE is from time to time asked to endorse or support documents, policies or events produced by external organisations.
This may include adding the COPE name or logo to a document or website, providing links from the COPE website, or producing a statement of support written by a COPE officer identified in that capacity.
Endorsement may range from active promotion of an external document or policy or an event like a webinar or meeting, through less active forms of support where we will add our name or logo, to silent support where we encourage the production of a resource or initiative but do not lend our name or logo to it.
COPE does not make a profit or benefit in kind from these endorsements.
What COPE will not endorse
We will not be associated with any publication, event or service which it deems to be in conflict with any COPE policy or practice, does not adhere to the highest standards of quality and professionalism, or which otherwise has the potential to cause it reputational risk. As a general rule, COPE is unlikely to endorse resources which are produced on a commercial basis, although we reserve the right to make decisions on an individual basis without creation of precedent.
How endorsements are assessed
All such requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Executive Officer to ensure that they align with our strategic priorities and core principles and with a view to their potential impact for our members. A decision will be made in each case by the Executive Officer, the relevant COPE subcommittee, or the Trustee Board, depending on its nature and the extent of COPE’s involvement.
How to request endorsement
All requests for endorsement should be made in writing to Natalie Ridgeway, Executive Officer (execofficer@publicationethics.org). Endorsement requests for meetings, webinars, or other timeline-specific events should be requested at least 6 weeks in advance, to afford COPE sufficient time to review the request.
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Page history
First published: 31 December 2022