PURPOSE

CSEM, as the National Specialty Society representing endocrinology and metabolism and an accredited continuing professional development provider of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, must ensure balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all of its accredited continuing professional development activities. CSEM adheres to the National Standard of Support for Accredited CPD Activities.

This policy outlines guidelines for the solicitation, management and acknowledgement of sponsorships and educational grants.  

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

• CSEM endeavours to protect the integrity and credibility of its members. CSEM will not accept sponsorships from any company or organization that may jeopardize or negatively affect CSEM’s reputation as a professional, physician organization and an accredited provider of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
• CSEM seeks sponsorships and educational grants from companies that are aligned with CSEM’s mission, strategic directions, policies and practices.
• CSEM maintains educational, editorial and operational independence.
• CSEM is transparent in its solicitation and management of its sponsorships and educational grants. CSEM discloses all financial and in-kind sponsorships to its members and will disclose, upon request, how sponsorships and educational grants are used.
• CSEM is committed to the privacy of its members’ personal information.[see CSEM Privacy Policy ver.2.0]

POLICIES

• Sponsorships/educational grants must abide by the National Standard for Support of Accredited CPD Activities.
• Sponsorships/educational grants are reviewed and approved by CSEM’s CPD Chair (or CSEM’s Executive Director acting on behalf of the CPD Chair).
• Agreements may be terminated at any time if they do not conform with CSEM’s policy.
• CSEM will not accept sponsorships/educational grants from alcohol, tobacco, recreational marijuana, gambling or other products that are not aligned with CSEM as a professional, physician organization and/or its mission.
• Wherever possible, CSEM will seek multiple sponsors for its activities.
• Sponsors/grantors will be acknowledged as per CSEM’s recognition benefits as outlined in the sponsorship/codevelopment agreement and according to the National Standard for Support of Accredited CPD Activities.
• CSEM’s Privacy Policy regarding sharing of CSEM members’ personal information applies to all relationships with sponsors/grantors.

PROCEDURES

CSEM, through the Executive Director and/or CPD Chair will:

• Determine amount of sponsorship/educational grant according to activity budget
• Identify potential sponsors
• Submit a sponsorship/grant request consisting of program description and budget. The request must clearly delineate sponsor/grantor benefits and restrictions.
• Complete sponsor/grantor documents as required.
• Ensure relevant CSEM documentation is completed as appropriate (codevelopment agreement, letter, invoice, etc)
• Acknowledge sponsorship of accredited CPD activities as per National Standard for Support of Accredited CPD Activities
• Provide sponsor/grantor with follow up information as required, such as evaluation results, attendance reports (as per Privacy Policy), etc.