Conflict of Interest Policy
All trustees and volunteers must act and be seen to act, in the best interests of the charity and not for their private interest or gain. A conflict of interest is any situation in which the personal interests or interests owed to another body, of a trustee or volunteer run counter to those of the Charity.
Conflicts of interest occur in those situations where an individual trustee or volunteer stands to gain directly or indirectly through engagement in activities which may potentially affect the charity adversely. It will also occur if that individual is engaged with an organisation which has aims incompatible to those of the charity.
The purpose of this policy is to protect the integrity of the charity’s decision making process and to protect the integrity of its volunteers and trustees.
Not all conflicts of interest stand as a bar to service as a trustee or volunteer. It will depend on the circumstances, including the size and nature of the benefit in question.
We require all trustees and volunteers to avoid actual conflicts of interest as well as the perception of conflicts on interest.
To assist the trustees of the charity to avoid conflicts of interest and to act appropriately where a conflict does arise:
- A conflict should be declared at the earliest opportunity
- A trustee who declares an interest should leave the meeting to allow the other trustees to decide whether or not his or her absence is necessary or appropriate
- The other trustees will agree how to deal with the conflict, for instance allowing the conflicted trustee to speak on the matter but not vote
- The remaining trustees will ensure the process is minuted and the following recorded:
The nature and extent of the conflict
Which trustee was affected
If any conflict was declared in advance
Outline of discussion
If anyone withdrew from discussion
Actions taken to manage the conflict in the best interests of the charity