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Ethical Sourcing Policy

Last Updated: 7 October 2026

What this policy covers

I choose the people, suppliers and tools behind your work with care, considering how they treat people, protect data and manage their environmental impact, alongside quality and price.

PatrickFound. is a one-person consultancy run by Patrick Cantellow. I do the work myself, bringing in trusted specialists when a project needs them.

This policy covers the people, services and resources I use to deliver client work, including:

  • Associates and subcontractors, such as designers, developers and copywriters
  • Hosting, software and other service providers
  • Images, fonts, video, music and other creative assets
  • AI tools
  • Work experience, internships and other early-career opportunities.

It applies to every project, including white-label work for agency partners. It sits alongside my Terms and Conditions of Engagement, Hosting Terms and Privacy Policy. Where anything conflicts, the applicable contract terms and legal requirements take precedence.

People we work with

I believe skilled people deserve fair pay, clear expectations and respect for their work.

  • Agreed up front. Every associate gets a written brief, fee and deadline before work starts. If the scope changes, we'll agree any changes to the fee or deadline before the extra work begins.
  • Paid on time. I pay associate invoices within 14 days, whether or not the client has paid us yet.
  • No unpaid tests. If I ask someone to complete pitch work, a test piece or a trial task, we'll agree payment beforehand.
  • Confidentiality and data protection. Associates agree to confidentiality and data protection terms that provide the same protections I promise my clients. Any necessary data processing agreements and approvals are in place before they access client data.
  • Credit where it's due. Associates can show their work in their own portfolios with the client's approval, unless confidentiality or white-label agreements prevent it. I'll explain any restrictions before they start.
  • You know who's involved. I'll get your approval before bringing a specialist onto your project and explain what they'll be doing.
  • The policy travels with the work. Associates are expected to follow these standards when choosing tools, buying assets or bringing in anyone else to help with my projects.

Hosting, software and suppliers

I choose suppliers for their reliability, security and quality of service. I also consider how they treat their people and the environment, rather than deciding on price alone.

  • Data kept close to home. Client websites are hosted in UK or EEA data centres, as set out in clause 3.5 of my Hosting Terms. For other services handling personal data, I check that appropriate data processing agreements and safeguards are in place, including for international transfers.
  • Your accounts, in your name. Wherever possible, CRM, analytics, advertising and domain accounts are set up in your name. I'll use access you can manage, so your accounts and data stay under your control.
  • Properly licensed software. Premium plugins, themes and software licences come from developers or authorised resellers. This helps keep security updates and support available while paying the people who build the tools.
  • Lighter, greener websites. I favour hosting providers with credible renewable energy commitments and build websites to load efficiently, using compressed images, only the plugins they need and no unnecessary scripts. Lighter pages can use less energy and load faster for visitors.
  • Fair employers. I look for suppliers that follow applicable employment laws and demonstrate fair treatment of their staff and contractors. Where information is available, I consider their published policies and practices.
  • Smaller and independent on a close call. When two suppliers are otherwise equally suitable, I'll favour the smaller, independent or UK-based one.

Recommendations without hidden incentives

I recommend tools and suppliers based on what's right for your project, not what earns me the most.

  • No hidden commissions. If I receive a referral fee, commission or other benefit from a supplier I recommend, I'll tell you before you make a decision.
  • Your choice. You're free to use another supplier, provided they meet the requirements of the work.
  • No unnecessary tools. I won't recommend a paid service if something you already have can do the job just as well.

Images, fonts and creative assets

Anything I use in your work needs to be properly licensed, with the rights and permissions needed for how you'll use it.

  • Licensed at the source. Stock photos, illustrations, video, music and fonts come from reputable libraries or directly from their creators. Anything found elsewhere online is only used with the appropriate permission.
  • The right licence for the job. I'll check that licences cover how you'll use each asset, whether that's a font on your website, an image in advertising or a design for merchandise.
  • A record you keep. I'll keep a record of third-party assets and their relevant licences and share it at handover. If an asset requires its own licence or subscription in your name, I'll explain that too.
  • Original brand marks. Logos and brand marks are created from original work or assets with rights that allow their intended use. I'll flag any licensing restrictions, although trademark registration and checks against existing marks are separate.
  • Real people, with permission. For commissioned photography and video, I'll make sure appropriate permissions or releases are obtained where needed. Testimonials and case studies will reflect real people's experiences and words.
  • Credit given. Where a licence requires attribution, I'll make sure it's included.

AI tools

I use AI where it can help produce better work, but not at the expense of your privacy, trust or control. Section 9A of my engagement terms sets out the detail.

  • Your information stays protected. I check the terms and settings of AI tools before using them. I won't submit confidential client information to tools that use it to train general-purpose models without your permission.
  • Commercial rights checked. Before using AI-generated images, video or audio commercially, I'll check the provider's terms and any relevant licensing restrictions. I favour providers that are transparent about how their models are developed.
  • Illustration, not stand-ins. AI imagery can be useful for concepts and illustrations, but I won't present generated people, places or events as real. Photos of your team, customers and premises will be genuine.
  • A person checks the work. I review AI-assisted work for accuracy, quality and suitability before it reaches you.
  • Your call. If you'd rather we worked without AI on all or part of your project, tell me and I'll respect that, as set out in clause 9A.5.
  • Open about it. If you want to know where AI has been used in a deliverable, just ask and I'll tell you.

Early-career talent

Every work experience placement, internship or apprenticeship I offer will be paid, supported and built around meaningful work.

Youth employment matters to me. I was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to youth employment in Kent, and I want the opportunities I offer to reflect that commitment.

Anyone joining PatrickFound. in an early-career role can expect:

  • Fair pay. At least the Real Living Wage set by the Living Wage Foundation, using the London rate for roles based in London.
  • Someone to learn from. A named mentor, regular check-ins and honest, useful feedback.
  • Real experience. Meaningful work on real projects, with opportunities to build a portfolio, subject to client approval and confidentiality.
  • A reference. An honest reference at the end of their placement to help them take their next step.

When I brief associates, newer freelancers are considered alongside established professionals. I won't offer someone less for the same work simply because they're earlier in their career.

Raising a concern and reviewing this policy

If anything I've sourced falls short of these standards, I'd like to know so I can look into it and put things right.

  • Get in touch. Clients, associates, suppliers or anyone else can email me directly. I'll respond within five working days.
  • When a supplier falls short. I'll raise concerns with them and, where appropriate, give them an opportunity to make improvements. If the issue is serious or isn't resolved, I'll look for an alternative and keep any affected clients informed.
  • Reviewed every year. I'll review this policy at least once a year and update it sooner if my services, practices or relevant laws change.