Affiliate Promotion Policy – Online Training Programs
Introduction
This Policy applies exclusively to all approved affiliates of The ESG Institute Limited (“the Company”) who promote the Company’s online training and education programs in return for commission or other consideration (the “Training Affiliate Program”).
It applies to Alumni and Members of The ESG Institute who are authorised to refer learners to the Company’s online courses via affiliate links or similar mechanisms.
This Policy does not apply to affiliates promoting other products, services, events, partnerships, or initiatives of the Company, which are governed by separate agreements, policies, or commercial terms.
This Policy is issued in accordance with applicable advertising, consumer protection, and fair-trading principles under Isle of Man law, including the Consumer Protection (Unfair Trading) Act 1999 (Isle of Man), the Misleading Marketing Regulations, and associated guidance and codes of practice. Nothing in this Policy removes or diminishes any rights or obligations arising under applicable law or regulation.
The Company is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, accuracy, and responsibility in the promotion of its online training programs. Promotion must protect learners, uphold academic credibility, and safeguard the reputation of the Company.
Scope of This Policy
This Policy governs only:
The promotion of the Company’s online courses and training programs
Affiliate activity that results in learner enrollment in such programs
Marketing communications directly related to course content, pricing, accreditation, and learning outcomes
This Policy does not govern:
Affiliates promoting consulting services, events, awards, memberships, software, or third-party solutions
Strategic partners, sponsors, or commercial introducers operating under separate agreements
Non-commission-based referrals or informal recommendations
Where multiple affiliate relationships exist, the applicable policy or agreement will be determined by the nature of the product or service being promoted.
Policy Statement
The ESG Institute adopts a zero-tolerance approach to misleading, inaccurate, or irresponsible promotion of its training programs.
Affiliates act as ambassadors of the Company and are expected to promote programs truthfully, professionally, and in alignment with the Company’s mission to democratise sustainability learning worldwide. Any form of misrepresentation, exaggerated claim, or unethical marketing practice will not be tolerated and may result in suspension or termination of affiliate status and the withholding of commissions.
Eligibility
Participation in the Affiliate Program is restricted to individuals who are:
Alumni who have completed at least one course with The ESG Institute, or
Registered Members of The ESG Institute.
If an applicant is not yet part of the Company’s community, they must first complete a course or become a Member before affiliate access will be granted. This requirement ensures that affiliates have first-hand knowledge of the Company’s programs and can promote them with credibility and integrity.
Definitions
For the purposes of this Policy:
Affiliate means an individual or entity approved by the Company to promote its training programs in return for commission.
Affiliate Program means the formal referral arrangement operated by the Company for the promotion of its online training and education programs via its designated platform.
Promotion includes any written, verbal, visual, digital, or electronic communication intended to encourage enrollment in the Company’s programs.
Misleading Promotion means any statement, omission, or presentation that may cause a prospective learner to form an incorrect understanding of the nature, value, outcomes, accreditation, or pricing of a program.
Promotion may occur online or offline, including on social media, websites, emails, events, webinars, or professional networks.
Responsibilities
The Company
The Executive Leadership Team is responsible for oversight of the Affiliate Program, approval of affiliates, provision of official resources, monitoring compliance, and reporting material issues to the Board where appropriate.
Affiliates
Affiliates are responsible for:
Ensuring all promotional statements are accurate and up to date
Using only approved or official information when describing programs
Acting ethically and professionally at all times
Complying with this Policy and any related guidance
Seeking clarification where unsure about permissible claims
Affiliates are responsible for the content and conduct of their promotional activities.
Promotion Standards
Affiliates must adhere to the following standards at all times.
Accuracy
All statements regarding course content, pricing, accreditation, delivery format, duration, learning outcomes, and target audience must be factually correct and consistent with official information published by the Company.
Authenticity
Affiliates may share personal experiences or opinions, provided they are genuine, balanced, and not exaggerated. Personal testimonials must not be presented as guaranteed outcomes.
Responsible Marketing
Affiliates must not use pressure-based sales tactics, sensational language, artificial urgency, or misleading comparisons. Promotion must allow prospective learners to make informed decisions.
Mission Alignment
All promotion should align with the Company’s educational mission and avoid claims that could undermine trust in ESG and sustainability learning.
Prohibited Conduct
Affiliates must not:
Guarantee employment, promotions, income, or financial returns
Present courses as substitutes for legal, regulatory, or professional advice
Misrepresent accreditation, regulatory approval, or institutional recognition
Claim endorsement by governments, regulators, or international bodies unless explicitly stated by the Company
Advertise unofficial pricing, discounts, or offers
Engage in spam, unsolicited mass messaging, or deceptive practices
Use paid advertising or trademarked keywords without prior written approval
Any breach of this section may be treated as a serious violation of this Policy.
Brand and Intellectual Property
Affiliates may use the Company’s name, logos, and branding materials only where expressly authorised.
Affiliates must not modify branding, create materials that appear to be official Company communications, or register domains, social media accounts, or advertising assets using the Company’s name or trademarks without permission.
Monitoring and Enforcement
The Company reserves the right to monitor affiliate promotional activities and to request amendments or removal of non-compliant content.
Where this Policy is breached, the Company may:
Require corrective action
Suspend or terminate affiliate status
Withhold unpaid commissions
Take further action where necessary to protect learners or the Company
Confidentiality and Protection from Retaliation
Concerns raised in good faith regarding affiliate conduct or compliance will be handled discreetly. No affiliate will suffer retaliation for raising a genuine concern or cooperating with an investigation.
Affiliates who knowingly make false or malicious allegations may be subject to removal from the Affiliate Program.
Record-Keeping
The Company will maintain appropriate records of affiliate approvals, compliance actions, and enforcement measures in accordance with applicable data protection legislation, including the Data Protection Act 2018 (Isle of Man).
Training and Guidance
The Company may provide affiliates with written guidance, official messaging, and educational resources to support responsible promotion. Affiliates are expected to familiarise themselves with all guidance provided.
Review
This policy is to be reviewed every two years, or earlier if there are significant changes in law or our operations.
Latest update: December 10, 2025.
This Policy is non‑contractual and may be amended at the Company’s discretion. Participation in the Affiliate Program constitutes acceptance of this Policy.