What if any is the issue related to sponsorships and collaborative arrangements?
There is no particular issue related to sponsorships and collaborative arrangements. The key concern with sponsorships, or any other arrangement, is to ensure clarity about which party is receiving the benefit of that program. If a government department receives a direct benefit, a procurement contract must be used. If the aim is to further the department’s objectives and no direct benefit is received by the department, then a transfer payment (grant or contribution) is the appropriate mechanism. The other related matter is to ensure that the Communication Policy is followed. The appropriate public message and scope of the message has to be consistent with the financial instrument used.
