1. Scope and intent of this Policy
This Collaboration & Open Access Policy applies to partnerships and knowledge-sharing activities undertaken through the HEADTURNED Innovation Hub. It covers work with educational institutions, research bodies, community organisations, and commercial partners, as well as how we publish or share tools, designs, and learning outcomes.
The aim is to ensure that collaboration amplifies positive impact for animals, ecosystems, and communities, without compromising the Foundation's mission or ethical standards.
2. Open knowledge where possible
We aim to share research summaries, tools, and learnings publicly wherever it is safe and appropriate to do so. This may include open reports, talks, training materials, and design blueprints that others can adapt in their own contexts.
Exceptions may include information that could compromise privacy, security, or ecological protection if widely released—for example, precise locations of sensitive species, or detailed system diagrams that could be misused. In such cases we may share higher-level or anonymised information instead.
3. Community and education partnerships
The Innovation Hub is a resource for schools, colleges, universities, and local groups. We support structured access through visits, placements, apprenticeships, and collaborative projects that build skills and understanding around conservation, technology, and sustainable food systems.
Activities involving children, young people, or adults at risk are planned and delivered in line with our Safeguarding Policy, including appropriate supervision, risk assessment, and consent.
4. Intellectual property principles
Intellectual property created through Innovation Hub projects is used primarily to further the Foundation's mission. We do not enter into arrangements that would prevent tools with clear public benefit from being used to protect animals, ecosystems, or communities.
Where IP is shared or co-owned with partners, we seek terms that allow for non-exclusive, mission-aligned use—for example, licensing that permits adoption by other non-profits or public bodies working on similar challenges.
5. Fair and ethical partnerships
We carry out proportionate due diligence on prospective partners, including funders and commercial organisations, to ensure alignment with our ethical, environmental, and social standards. This may include reviewing public records, existing activities, and stated policies.
We reserve the right to decline or end relationships that conflict with these values—for example, where a partner's core activities cause significant harm to animals, ecosystems, or communities, or would undermine the Foundation's independence.
6. Accountability and documentation
Collaborative projects are documented with clear roles, responsibilities, timelines, and agreed outcomes. Where projects impact land, animals, or communities, additional governance may be required from the Foundation's trustees or advisory groups, in line with our governance framework.
Key decisions about major partnerships, sponsorships, or knowledge-sharing agreements are recorded so that they can be reviewed and, where appropriate, reported to stakeholders.
7. Review of this Policy and raising concerns
This Policy will be reviewed from time to time to reflect changes in how the Innovation Hub operates and in wider best practice on collaboration and open access. Updated versions will be published on this page.
Concerns about a specific partnership or collaboration can be raised through our usual contact routes or, where appropriate, under the Foundation's Complaints & Feedback Policy or Whistleblowing & Serious Concerns Policy.