Code of Practice for Members of the Institute of Promotional Marketing:  May 2010

Introduction

The Institute of Promotional Marketing is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism in the promotional marketing industry.  The Code of Practice for members of the Institute of Promotional Marketing sets out the obligations that members have to the industry, to the Institute, to other members, to their clients, to consumers, and any other group which is the target of, or may be affected by, the member’s work.  Corporate members are responsible for ensuring that their employees observe the provisions of the Code.

The Code of Practice

1. Members shall conduct their business in accordance with the requirements of the Institute of Promotional Marketing’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, and with the UK Code of Non-Broadcast Advertising, Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (The CAP Code), and all other industry codes and standards sponsored or supported by the Institute, including The UK Broadcast Code of Advertising (The BCAP Code), rulings of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and the Committee of Advertising Practice.  Copies of all these documents are available from the Institute.
2. 


Members shall conduct themselves in their business at all times in a manner that will uphold the reputation and standing of the Institute and its members.  Above all, members must act in a professional manner with the intention of giving satisfaction to consumers, clients and other user groups.



3. Members must ensure that they do nothing which could damage the public image of promotional marketing.



4. Members must not disparage fellow members or their work.
5. Members must not disparage the Institute of Promotional Marketing, nor bring the promotional marketing industry into disrepute.



6. Members must comply with all relevant legislation, and must recognise that compliance with the CAP Codes does not necessarily guarantee that they are acting within the law.  (The Institute of Promotional Marketing’s Legal Advisory Service can give advice on all relevant legislation that affects promotional marketing.)


7. Members should bear in mind that the spirit of the CAP Code is as important as the letter, and that the purpose of the Code is the elimination of practices that may lead promotional marketing into disrepute.
8. Brand owner members must accept that they are normally responsible for actions (including content of advertising) taken on their behalf by their agencies, their suppliers of promotional goods or services and others in the promotional chain.



9. A member acting as an agency or supplier for a non-member’s promotional programme should ensure that the non-member acts within the provisions of the CAP Code.



10. Member companies must always give complete respect and confidence to any confidential information with which it has to deal in the course of its work.



11. Members must comply with any decision reached by the Board of the Institute of Promotional Marketing, including a decision to take disciplinary action resulting from a breach of this Code.
12. As a final sanction, a member company may be expelled from the Institute of Promotional marketing if, in the opinion of the Board, it has failed in its duty to observe this Code of practice in general, or is in serious breach of a specific provision.

Sanctions

If a breach of this Code is reported in writing to the Institute of Promotional Marketing, or if the Institute itself becomes aware of such a breach, the Chief Executive Officer will notify the relevant member of the alleged breach, requesting a written explanation.  On receipt of this response, the complainant will be asked to comment.



If any issues remain unresolved, a Dispute Committee will be set up.  This will comprise a minimum of four people: 



• At least two of:  the Institute’s Chairman, Immediate Past Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, or the Head of Compliance:


• At least two other Board members drawn from the relevant member’s constituency, (brand owner, agency, or service provider).
The Dispute Committee, will decide whether or not there has been a breach of the Code of Practice, and recommend any further action.  Its decision will be communicated to all parties involved.



In the event of a breach of this Code, the relevant member will be asked for a written apology, and will be expected to take any remedial action specified by the Dispute Committee.  A Report of the case will be filed in the Institute’s archives.



In serious cases, the Dispute Committee will ask the Board of the Institute to consider the termination of membership.  If the Board agrees that such a sanction is necessary, then the membership will be terminated and a public statement will be made to that effect.

Interpretation

Any queries concerning the interpretation of this Code of Practice, should be addressed, in the first instance, to the Chief Executive Officer of the Institute.

Use of the Institute of Promotional Marketing Logo

Corporate members

Corporate members are encouraged to use the Institute of Promotional Marketing logo in promotional literature and all forms of digital communications.

Several versions of the Institute of Promotional Marketing logo are available for use:

1.    Full colour with url

This is the principal format of the logo and should be used at 170 x 59 pixels or more. Colours must not be changed. The CMYK splits for the three colours are as follows:

The font is Helvetica Neue.

The word ‘Member’ may be added in Helvetica Neue Light beneath the lower rule.

Please do not use this version of the logo if the size is less than 170 x 59 pixels.

2.    Full colour without url

This version of the logo should be used when the chosen size is less than 170 x 59 pixels. Colours may not be changed. The CMYK splits are as above.

The word ‘Member’ may be added in Helvetica Neue Light beneath the lower rule.

3.    Mono version with url

This version of the logo should be used when the chosen size is more than 170 x 59 pixels.

The font is Helvetica Neue.

The word ‘Member’ may be added in Helvetica Neue Light beneath the lower rule.

4.    Mono version without URL

This version of the logo should be used when the chosen size is less than 170 x 59 pixels.

The word ‘Member’ may be added in Helvetica Neue Light beneath the lower rule.

Use of logo online

When using the Iogo online, please use the version incorporating the url. Wherever possible, please provide a live link to the Institute of Promotional Marketing website – www.theipm.org.uk

Please note:

The logo should be used to denote corporate membership of the Institute of Promotional Marketing only. It should not be used to imply a specific promotion or product has been approved by the Institute.

Active members only are eligible to use the logo. Improper, or unauthorised use of the logo may be referred to the relevant trading standards authority for enforcement action under the terms of the Consumer Protection From Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

Specific promotions/campaigns fully approved by the Institute of Promotional Legal Advisory Service (LAS) are granted the Institute of Promotional Marketing Seal. For more details on the Seal, please go to www.theipm.org.uk/seal or contact the CEO on 020 7291 7732.

Obtaining the logo:

Active members will automatically be issued with a pdf/eps of the logo. Please contact Silvio Kalich on 020 7291 7734 or email silviok@theipm.org.uk should different file formats be required.
Alternatively, contact him at: The Institute of Promotional Marketing
, 70 Margaret Street, London W1W 8SS, Tel: 020 7291 7730, Fax: 020 7291 7731, Web: www.theipm.org.uk