NIHR policy on
merchandise, event
materials and staff events

There are renewed expectations in relation to merchandise and staff events funded by public money through Government Departments, which are relevant to NIHR given its public-funding. The following NIHR policy is now in place governing this activity and applies to NIHR organisations, funding streams and contract award holders across all NIHR Infrastructure, Programmes and Training.

NIHR merchandise - not permitted (exceptions only)

• We are ceasing the purchasing, procuring and distributing NIHR-branded merchandise (e.g. pens, tote bags, branded notebooks and similar). 

  • • There is an exceptions process for particular merchandise which proves to be both fully business critical and demonstrably value for money - there is a high bar to ensure that the development of any new merchandise is minimised

    • If you wish to apply through the exception process, please provide your relevant coordinating centre with the purpose and details in the first instance

    • Any permitted business critical merchandise will continue to feature the core NIHR brand only and not a scheme or sub-logo, or name of a Programme, Infrastructure scheme, Training Scheme or the name of the host research institution or event or date as has previously been the case.
      
      

NIHR posters, banners and physical backdrops - permitted but NIHR corporate logo only

• Posters, banners and physical backdrops used in meetings and conferences can continue to be developed, purchased and used, but should now feature only the core NIHR brand and should not feature a scheme or sub-logo, or name of a Programme, Infrastructure scheme or Training Scheme. 

  • • Where feasible and practical, we should share these between different parts of the NIHR.
      
      

Existing stock - use up to avoid waste

• Use existing stocks of NIHR-branded merchandise and posters, banners and physical backdrops (as long as within current brand guidelines) until depleted rather than disposing of them.

NIHR awaydays and events for staff

• Only use external venues for awaydays and other staff events where sufficient space in the estate operated by NIHR host organisation is unavailable or clearly insufficient for the intended purpose of the awayday/event.

• When it is absolutely necessary to use an external venue, procure all venues through established procurement routes where available. 

• Also be able to demonstrate value for money when organising guest speakers and team building activities, keeping costs at a reasonable level with carefully considered content.