Proprietary Interests & Representation Policy
The Training Refinery will disclose, in advance of any learning experience, any instructor’s proprietary interest in any product, instrument, device, service, or material to be discussed during the learning event, as well as the source of any third-party compensation related to the presentation. This policy applies to both The Training Refinery team members and contractors.
The Training Refinery will reference any instructor's proprietary interests appropriately in instructional materials it publishes. If no such proprietary or financial interests exist, The Training Refinery will publish a disclaimer in marketing or instructional materials. The Training Refinery reserves the right to review and approve any branding associated with proprietary interests. An instructor's individual or organizational branding will be limited.
Instructors do not promote the exclusive use of any commercial product in published instructional materials or during instruction. Their discussion of proprietary interests during instruction is limited to relevant contexts and includes consideration of comparable alternative products or companies.
Immediately upon being assigned to present a learning experience, a team member or instructor must disclose any existing proprietary interests relevant to the instructional assignment. Disclosure will be made to the Learning Experience Director. If an instructor acquires a proprietary interest after marketing materials have been produced and distributed for a learning event affected by this policy, the instructor shall provide and document written disclosure to learners at the beginning of the learning experience. Such disclosure shall be documented in the record of the learning experience. Examples of appropriate documentation include a written statement distributed with handouts or one included on an early slide in a slide presentation. Proprietary content may be used to produce deliverables for The Training Refinery, and The Training Refinery will make no claim to proprietary interests disclosed in a timely manner.
Prospective instructional contractors must disclose existing proprietary interests relevant to the instructional topics during contract negotiations. The proprietary interests must be listed in the contract before execution for The Training Refinery to recognize them. Proprietary content may be used to produce contracted deliverables provided to The Training Refinery, and The Training Refinery will make no claim to proprietary interests disclosed in the agreement.
No instructor with The Training Refinery, whether team member or contractor, may present or assist in presenting a CEU learning experience until all pertinent proprietary interests have been disclosed to The Training Refinery and learners as provided in this policy. Failure to comply may be grounds for disciplinary action against team members or for contractual remedies against contractors.
