The principle.
If money changes hands in a way that could plausibly influence what Executive Signals publishes, we tell you. Before the headline. Above the link. In the same eye-line as the recommendation itself.
Affiliate links.
Some external links in our Recommended Learning column are affiliate links — the publisher of the linked book, course, or programme pays Executive Signals a referral fee if you purchase via the link.
- Always labelled. Every affiliate link is annotated "affiliate link" in line, in the same sentence as the recommendation.
- Editorially independent. No item is recommended because it carries an affiliate relationship. Affiliate eligibility is checked after the editorial decision, never before.
- Listed publicly. Our current affiliate relationships are listed below and updated each quarter.
Current affiliate relationships
Sponsored editions.
Executive Signals may occasionally publish sponsored editions — briefs underwritten by a single named partner. When we do, the following rules apply without exception.
- Labelled at the top. Sponsored editions carry a header that reads "Sponsored by [Partner Name]" in the same position as the issue number.
- Signal 06 is paused. Recommended Learning is not published in a sponsored edition. There is no opportunity for sponsor-favourable recommendations.
- Editorial control retained. Sponsors approve the topic, never the analysis. They see the edition the same day every other subscriber does.
- Limited to four per year. Sponsored editions are capped at four per calendar year. No quarter contains more than one.
Conflicts of interest.
Editors and contributors disclose every relationship that could reasonably influence their judgement on a story. Disclosed conflicts trigger recusal — the affected contributor does not write or edit the story in question.
- Faculty appointments. Disclosed and recused from coverage of the institution in question.
- Consulting contracts. Disclosed and recused for the duration of the engagement plus twelve months.
- Equity holdings. Editors do not hold equity in any institution, executive search firm, or learning platform covered by Executive Signals.
- Gifts & hospitality. Press passes and standard event admission are accepted. Travel, accommodation, and gifts above £75 are declined or paid back.
How we treat your data.
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If you spot something we missed.
Disclosures can fail. If you believe an Executive Signals edition contains an undisclosed conflict, contact hello@executivesignals.org. We will investigate and, where required, publish a correction at the top of the next edition.