Ethical Exclusions Policy

Last updated: January 9, 2026

Certain areas of work present heightened ethical, legal, or safeguarding risks and therefore require careful consideration. Learning Connected applies clear ethical exclusions to ensure that all programmes are delivered responsibly, safely, and in line with our values and regulatory obligations.

Participants engaged through Learning Connected programmes will not undertake work that falls within the categories outlined below.

Sensitive Areas of Activity

Learning Connected does not facilitate work involving:

  • Security-sensitive research, including terrorism-related activity

  • Culturally sensitive research, involving protected cultural objects or artefacts

  • Participant-sensitive activity, including direct engagement with vulnerable groups (such as children or individuals lacking mental capacity), whether in the UK or internationally

  • Fieldwork presenting security risks, including potential physical harm to participants or researchers

  • Financial handling risks, including the collection or management of public funds on behalf of organisations

    • Participants may support strategy or design activities (e.g. crowdfunding campaign design), but will not handle funds directly

Sector and Activity Exclusions

Learning Connected does not work with organisations involved in the following activities:

  • Weapons and military contracting

    • Firearms (production or retail)

    • Military production or related services

  • Tobacco

    • Production, supply, or retail

  • Palm oil

    • Unsustainable palm oil production

    • Companies with 50% or less RSPO-certified plantations

  • Climate-related exclusions

    • Arctic drilling

    • Coal power expansion

    • Oil sands

    • Thermal coal

    • Nuclear power

  • Gambling

    • Equipment, operations, or supporting services

  • Alcohol

    • Production or distribution

  • Adult entertainment

    • Production or distribution

  • Severe violations of international standards

    • Organisations demonstrating serious breaches of the UN Global Compact principles or OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, including violations relating to:

      • Human rights

      • Labour standards

      • Environmental harm

      • Business ethics or corruption

Our Approach

These exclusions are applied to ensure that Learning Connected programmes remain ethical, appropriate, and context-aware, and that participants are not placed in situations involving undue risk, harm, or conflict with international standards.

Contact Us


If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, You can contact us by email: info@learning-connected.org