Partnership guidelines

At Ergon Energy we are committed to corporate social responsibility through understanding the issues that concern the communities in which we operate and our role in addressing those issues.

We are involved with hundreds of partnership activities and events across Queensland every year, ranging from small school projects and local environment groups to community festivals and major education partnerships. Our partnership and community programs are aimed at forming active and mutually beneficial relationships with organisations and communities, not merely through financial support, but also through contributing and transferring skills, expertise and knowledge.

Partnership policy

The Ergon Energy Partnership Policy guides decisions about partnerships. This policy has been developed with reference to the Queensland Government Sponsorship Poicy.

The policy supports a strategic, whole-of-business approach to managing and leveraging outgoing partnership to maximise benefits from Ergon Energy's investments. The policy also ensures correct and transparent processes are implemented for the assessment, approval and management of partnership activities across the business.

Key principles for partnership management

Ergon Energy's key principles for partnership management are:

• Alignment with Queensland Government priorities and partnership framework
• Alignment with Ergon Energy's business operations and corporate vision
• Appropriate acknowledgement of Ergon Energy
• Appropriate activity that supports Ergon Energy's corporate vision and brand position
• Appropriate association with professional organisations/activities
• Appropriate authorisation for the involvement of Ergon Energy in the activity
• Ethical behaviour and fair dealing
• Open and effective communication
• Effective management and reporting
• Value for money.

Partnerships should always support Ergon Energy's overall corporate vision to be 'a world-class, customer-driven energy business'.

Consequently, any partnership activity must support Ergon Energy's objectives to:

• Maximise Ergon Energy's profile to audiences
• Provide customer satisfaction
• Build shareholder value and returns
• Be responsible to community needs/provide value to the community
• Reflect Ergon Energy's business objectives.

Proposal guidelines

Ergon Energy carefully considers partnership proposals to ensure they meet our business and community goals and are within our partnership budget.

While logo exposure is considered a bonus, it is not the primary goal of partnership. We expect that our partnership partners will invest resources to work with Ergon Energy to deliver on the objectives set for the partnership and to actively promote the partnership and Ergon Energy's contribution to the event or program.

These guidelines are a general guide only and should not be considered an offer or commitment by Ergon Energy.

Brand values

Ergon Energy supports only those activities that reflect our brand values of being customer focussed, improving our network, placing safety first, being community minded, and looking after regional Queensland.

Partnership goals

Ergon Energy's partnership vision is to support community and business activities that deliver:

• Lasting benefits to regional Queensland communities (with an emphasis on community enrichment and the environment)
• Business development/growth opportunities
• Support for the network and asset activities (particularly the environment and safety issues)
• Long-term partnerships
• Support to our extensive network of employees.

Partnership benefits for Ergon Energy

A partnership should provide at least four of the following:

• A natural link with one or more of our brand values
• Focus on Queensland communities and benefits to those communities
• Creative ideas for utilising the partnership to help differentiate the Ergon Energy brand from other energy companies
• Naming rights or major sponsor identification
• Opportunities for Ergon Energy employees to be involved in the event/activity (beyond simply attending the event)
• Opportunities for cross promotions and/or promotion of Ergon Energy products/services
• Opportunities for key customer and business networking and/or contact with key members of the community
• Programs that are conducted in a safe and environmentally responsible way.

Proposal process

For all partnership considerations, Ergon Energy requires a written proposal to be evaluated.

Each proposal is evaluated against detailed criteria including how well it meets our partnership goals, the target audiences reached, the benefits of the partnership to Ergon Energy and the community or business sector, and the number of other partners involved in the activity. Proposals are also considered in view of Ergon Energy's current and ongoing commitments.

Proposals should include

• Details and objectives of the opportunity, event or program
• Details of the synergy with Ergon Energy's corporate priorities and how flexible the elements of the activity are to address our requirements
• A list of key benefits to the community
• A list of partnership options and the benefits available for each level, including how they relate to Ergon Energy
• Target audience details (including audience reach) and any other research to support the event or program
• List of other partners/sponsors and key parties involved who have committed to the activity
• A timeline, including important deadlines (particularly marketing deadlines) and calendar of events
• Credentials of your company and key contacts
• Method of evaluating the success of the partnership against its objectives (eg: research, surveys, etc).

Note:  Applications should be submitted as far in advance of the event as possible, preferably at least six months.

What we will not consider

• Funding for capital works
• Individuals or representatives of sporting teams
• Gambling, smoking, consumption of other addictive substances
• Promotion of particular religious group or political party.

Process for consideration

• All proposals are reviewed by Ergon Energy's Sponsorship Committee to assess suitability, feasibility, and resources required (human and monetary); including a post-event evaluation process
• The organisation is notified of the status of the proposal within 4 weeks of the proposal being received, and all seekers receive written confirmation of the status of the proposal
• If a partnership request is successful, Ergon Energy may request confirmation that the event has the necessary insurance (including public liability insurance) as required
• Ergon Energy requires that a nominated contact person within the partnering organisation be nominated to manage Ergon Energy's partnership and act as contact point for Ergon Energy representatives
• If a partnership proposal is accepted, post-event evaluation reports are required for agreements over $1000 only, from the organiser to determine that objectives of the sponsorship were met
• All materials produced relating to the event that include the Ergon Energy name or logo require Ergon Energy's prior approval (eg: brochures, media releases, website, advertising, etc).

Enquiries and submission

Proposals for under $5,000 can be submitted to your local regional Corporate Communications Manager as listed below. Proposals for over $5,000 must be submitted to the Community Partnerships Unit for assessment by the Partnerships Committee (note, proposals for over $20,000 require Chief Executive and/or Board approval).

Online application form

For partnership proposals to be considered, an Ergon Energy Partnership Opportunity Application form (PDF 21.6 kb) is required to be submitted.

Related links

• Corporate profile
• Media contacts