Centre for Ethical Franchising
“Building trust and transparency in UK Franchising”
The Centre for Ethical Franchising (CEF) is an independent organisation dedicated to improving trust, transparency, and accountability across the UK franchise sector. We empower franchisors, franchisees, and investors to operate with integrity and confidence creating a fairer, more sustainable future for franchising.
Who We Are
About the Centre For Ethical Franchising
The Centre for Ethical Franchising (CEF) is an independent organisation dedicated to strengthening trust, transparency, and accountability across the UK franchise sector.
We help franchisors, investors, and financial institutions identify and manage governance, cultural, and reputational risks, protecting people, brands, and communities.
Founded by experienced professionals from both franchisor and franchisee backgrounds, and supported by a network of legal, reputational, and parliamentary experts, CEF provides impartial oversight and ethical guidance across one of the UK’s most under-regulated sectors.
Our team has direct experience coordinating multi-million-pound commercial disputes, ensuring fairness, integrity, and practical resolutions.
Our mission is simple: to raise standards, champion fairness, and promote responsible franchise governance nationwide.
Why It Matters
Franchising is a powerful model for growth, and its strength depends on trust. Every franchise brand lives and dies by the confidence of its network, its investors, and its customers.
When governance slips or transparency fades, even the best concepts can lose their way. Poor communication, inconsistent culture, or short-term commercial pressures can erode brand value, disrupt performance, and damage reputations built over years.
The Centre for Ethical Franchising (CEF) helps franchisors prevent that drift by embedding structure, clarity, and accountability at every level of their business. Our frameworks don’t restrict growth; they protect and accelerate it by aligning culture, governance, and commercial outcomes.
Working with CEF enables franchisors to:
Strengthen network trust and consistency,
Demonstrate ethical leadership to investors and regulators, and
Build a brand that attracts the right partners and keeps them.
Because integrity isn’t a barrier to performance, it’s the foundation of it.
What We Offer
Our Offerings
Ethical Franchise Audits
Independent, data-driven assessments that rate franchise networks against governance, culture, and compliance benchmarks. These audits help identify risk areas early and provide a roadmap for continuous improvement.
Ethical Accreditation Framework
A certification system for “Ethically Aligned Franchises” awarded only to organisations that demonstrate verifiable ethical governance, fairness, and transparency. This distinction enhances credibility with customers, regulators, and financiers alike.
Consultancy & Advisory
Strategic guidance to franchisors and investors on implementing ethical frameworks, improving governance models, and aligning operations with ESG and FCA conduct expectations.
Mediation & Dispute Resolution
Neutral and confidential mediation services to resolve the conflicts between the franchisors and franchisees efficiently, fairly, and respectfully.
Education & Support
Training sessions, toolkits, and mentoring designed to embed ethical principles within daily franchise operations and leadership decision-making.
Why choose Us
Our Core Values
Integrity & Fair Dealing
We expect honesty and fairness in every transaction and interaction, ensuring that franchisees and franchisors operate in good faith.
Transparency & Disclosure
Ethical franchising thrives on openness. We promote clear, accurate, and timely information sharing between all parties.
Accountability & Responsibility
Governance only works when leadership is accountable. CEF enforces responsibility at every level of the franchise model.
Stakeholder Respect
We recognise franchisees as essential contributors, not subordinates, and advocate mutual respect across the entire network.
Compliance & Ethical Conduct
Every member must uphold the law and the highest standards of moral and professional behaviour.
Sustainability & Community Impact
Beyond profit, franchising must contribute positively to people, communities, and the environment.
Integrity & Fair Dealing
We expect honesty and fairness in every transaction and interaction, ensuring that franchisees and franchisors operate in good faith.
Transparency & Disclosure
Ethical franchising thrives on openness. We promote clear, accurate, and timely information sharing between all parties.
Accountability & Responsibility
Governance only works when leadership is accountable. CEF enforces responsibility at every level of the franchise model.
Stakeholder Respect
We recognise franchisees as essential contributors, not subordinates, and advocate mutual respect across the entire network.
Compliance & Ethical Conduct
Every member must uphold the law and the highest standards of moral and professional behaviour.
Sustainability & Community Impact
Beyond profit, franchising must contribute positively to people, communities, and the environment.
What We Offer
Accreditation Process
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1- Assessment
CEF conducts a confidential, independent ethical audit covering culture, governance, communication, and compliance.
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2- Evaluation
The results are reviewed against CEF’s Ethical Governance Charter and ISO 37000 global governance principles.
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3- Accreditation
Organisations meeting the benchmarks are granted Ethical Accreditation and may display the CEF mark of trust.
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4- Ongoing Compliance
Accredited members undergo annual reviews and continuous improvement monitoring to maintain their ethical status.
Hear what clients are saying about CEF
“Working with the CEF has been a game changer for us at Stone Fired Pizza. Their guidance has brought structure, clarity, and credibility to our franchise expansion plans. The team’s depth of experience and practical insight helped us navigate every stage of development, from refining our model and governance framework to ensuring that our franchise offer is fair, transparent, and sustainable. What really stood out was their balanced approach. They understand both the franchisor’s commercial priorities and the need to protect and empower franchisees, something that’s often missing in this industry. Thanks to CEF’s support, we’ve not only strengthened our franchise proposition but also built a foundation of trust and integrity that reflects our values as a brand. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend CEF to any organisation serious about growing responsibly and building a franchise network the right way..”
“Working with the CEF has been transformational for us at Mnesic. Their expertise brought real structure and credibility to our growth plans, helping us build a franchise model that’s fair, transparent, and sustainable. What I value most is their balance. They understand the commercial realities for franchisors while genuinely protecting the interests of franchisees. The result is a stronger, more trusted brand foundation that reflects who we are and how we want to grow”
Our Mission
Our mission is to redefine franchising through integrity, fairness, and accountability. We aim to ensure that every franchise network upholds ethical values, protects stakeholders, and builds long-term trust that benefits the entire ecosystem from entrepreneurs and franchise owners to financial institutions and consumers.
Our Vision
To create a future where ethical franchising is the standard, not the exception. We strive to build a trusted ecosystem that inspires confidence, drives responsible growth, and elevates the reputation of franchising across the UK and beyond.
Get In Touch
We welcome partnerships, enquiries, and collaborations with those who share our commitment to ethical franchising. Get in touch to learn more about accreditation, audits, or how CEF can support your organisation’s ethical growth.
Paul Burns | Rikki Lear | Andrew Kerr
Co-Founders @ the Centre for Ethical Franchising