education.vic.gov.au

Sponsorship procedure (schools) — appropriate sponsor and approval limits

Procedure

Procedure

Does the external sponsor’s business activity appear on the inappropriate activities list?

If it does, do not continue with the activity.

If it doesn't, continue to the the next question.

Does the sponsorship meet one or more of the DET priorities for Sponsorship?

If it does, continue to the next question.

If it doesn't, rework the agreement with the sponsor to meet one of the DET priorities or end the discussion.

Type of sponsorship?

If it is outgoing sponsorship, follow normal Procurement Threshold Guidelines for the sponsorship value and align approvals with school financial delegation approval limits.

If it incoming sponsorship (where school is sponsored by an external organisation), continue to the the next question.

Does the agreement include naming rights to a gov. asset, event or initiative; or a state wide deal?

If it does, seek Executive Director, Communications Division and Ministerial approval.

If it doesn't, continue to the the next question.

What is the value of the sponsorship?

If it is equal to or less than $25,000, seek School Council approval.

If it is greater than $25,000, seek School Council, Regional Director, and Communications Division approval

Download Procedure

Principles of sponsorship management

  • Ensuring probity
  • Achieving efficiency and effectiveness
  • Maintaining transparency and accountability
  • Implementing effective risk management

DET priorities

  • Contributes to advancement of Victorian whole-of-government priorities, this may include:
    • promotes educational outcomes
    • creates employment opportunities for local or regional business
    • promotes opportunities to industry
    • develops export markets and attracts investment
  • Supports DET's goals and objectives
  • Increases effectiveness of DET’s strategic programs
  • Communicates key messages to target audiences
  • Engages or builds relationships with key stakeholders

Inappropriate activities

  • Activities aimed at delivering or replacing core DET or agency services
  • Values, products, purposes or objectives which are inconsistent with DET’s
  • Political parties, tobacco companies, gaming venues, companies involved in the sale/promotion of alcohol, companies involved in the sale/promotion of firearms
  • Companies that encourage unhealthy food choices by young people
  • Religious organisations or religious activities
  • Charities and not-for-profit organisations not registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
  • Organisations or companies that are financially unsound or unstable
  • Agencies with inspectorial or regulatory powers over DET
  • Sponsors requiring DET to directly endorse or promote its products/ services
  • Any activity in breach of the Code of Conduct for Victorian Public Sector employees or (for school councils) the Code of Conduct for Directors of Victorian public entities

Forms of sponsorship

Incoming

  • Placement of a plaque or notice
  • Temporary signage acknowledging the sponsorship
  • Acknowledgement in newsletters
  • Letter of appreciation
  • Inclusion of a by-line, forward or advertisement

Outgoing

  • Public acknowledgements
  • Logo placement and signage
  • Speaking engagement
  • Social media posts
  • Opportunities to network

Requirements

  • Schools must undertake sponsorships in an ethical and fair manner and disclose all conflicts of interests
  • Sponsorship agreements must have end dates
  • Schools must maintain and record their own sponsorship register for all sponsorships
  • All sponsorships above $25,000 need to be approved by Regional Director, Executive Director of Communications and submitted to the Communications team sponsorship@education.vic.gov.au
  • If the Sponsor requires the naming rights of a government asset, event or initiative the Communications team must be informed and a ministerial approval sought
  • Schools being approached with requests to advertise state-wide or country wide corporate sponsorships (e.g. banks, supermarkets, etc.) are to refer these requests to the Communications Division
  • For any other questions or support contact schools.procurement@education.vic.gov.au

Sponsorship steps

Guidance page outlining sponsorship principles and procedures for schools

Reviewed 04 October 2022

Was this page helpful?