Conflict of interest policy

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For the Foundation policy, see wmf site.

The statement of interests should list family relationships, business relationships and political relationships to staff and other trustees and potential trustees. Such a statement of interest will help to avoid conflict of interest and underhand activity that may bring the organisation into disrepute and should make it clear to members that apparently unrelated individuals standing for election do in fact form a faction.

Conflicts of interest: policy and procedure

Potential conflicts of interest need to be carefully considered and correctly managed. Think about potential or perceived conflicts as well as actual conflicts - they can be just as damaging.

It is good practice to have an agreed policy and practice that trustees follow when considering conflicts of interest. The starting point should always be the organisation's governing document.

A policy on conflicts of interest can include:

• A code of conduct for trustees
• Register of personal interests
• A procedure for identifying conflicts, for example over travel reimbursement to trustees
• A procedure for withdrawing from discussion and decision
• A procedure for minuting of this process

[edit] Policy on conflicts of interest

Any trustee who has a financial interest in a matter under discussion, should declare the nature of their interest and withdraw from the room, unless they have a dispensation to speak.

If a trustee has any interest in the matter under discussion, which creates a real danger of bias , that is, the interest affects their, or a member of their household, more than the generality affected by the decision: their should declare the nature of the interest and withdraw from the room, unless their has a dispensation to speak.

If a trustee has any other interest which does not create a real danger of bias, but which might reasonably cause others to think it could influence their decision , they should declare the nature of the interest, but may remain in the room, participate in the discussion, and vote if they wish. If in any doubt about the application of these rules they should consult with the chair.

When trustees become aware of a new, actual or potential conflict of interest, they should give notice of it to the Secretary to enable him/her to update the Conflicts Register. The Secretary should include in their report for each trustees' meeting details of any contracts/agreements to be entered into prior to the next meeting of the trustees and any potential conflicts identified from a check of the Register.

Conflicts register

• ...

[edit] Conflict of interest form

As a trustee, you are required to act in the best interests of 'X' charity. However, inevitably, trustees have a wide range of interests in private, public and professional life and these interests might, on occasions, conflict.

We are obliged to review any possible conflicts when preparing our annual report so ask you to supply the following details:

• Has 'X' charity made any loans to you?
• Have you, or people connected with you through family, business or another charity, an interest in a contract or transaction with 'X' charity?
• Have you or any person connected with you derived any pecuniary benefit or gain from 'X' charity?

Signature and date