Conflicts of Interest

A conflict of interest arises when a personal interest conflicts with a responsibility to act in the best interests of an organisation. Conflicts of interest can be real or perceived and can happen at every level of an organisation. Conflicts of interest are particularly relevant to the governing body of an organisation as this body has a duty to act in the best interest of the organisation.

1.1 Processes for managing conflicts of interest are contained within organisational policies and procedures.

1.2 This policy is designed to help staff, volunteers and staff to understand conflicts of interest.

1.3 Volunteers, staff and office holders should always disclose an activity if they are in doubt about whether a conflict of interest exists. 

1.4 Volunteers, staff and office holders must disclose and discuss any potential conflict of interest with their line manager at the earliest opportunity.

1.5 Contractors, consultants and third party organisations must be asked to declare conflicts of interest during the recruitment/contracting process or during set-up of working partnership.

1.6 From time to time, staff, volunteers or office holders may be offered gifts or other benefits in the course of their work. There are occasions when gifts of little intrinsic value are offered by grateful service users and suppliers, where a refusal to accept them could cause offence. These are typically gifts given in gratitude or to mark an occasion e.g. leaving the school/ programme - these types of gifts can be accepted. 

1.7 Where a staff member believes the conflict of interest no longer exists they are advised to put this in writing requesting that their disclosure is closed.

1.8 Guidance on the terms and application of this policy, and wellbeing support in relation to the issues addressed in the policy, are available to Gotoco staff and Gotoco’ers.

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Published by Daniel Parrott (Director), last updated 20th February 2023