A conflicts of interests checklist will help you develop and implement robust systems for managing this key governance activity. In this article we set out a comprehensive checklist, and you can download a copy for your own use too.
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Conflicts of Interests Checklist
The steps below set out, step by step, the things you need to do or have in place to ensure you are managing conflicts of interests well. You should be able to answer “yes” to all of the statements below:
Policy
- We have a conflicts of interests policy that sets out when people should declare interests, how, and the consequences of non-compliance.
- This or another stand alone policy tells people how to manage offers of gifts, sponsorship and hospitality.
- We have a policy that defines and discusses fraud and bribery, including what people should do if they suspect fraud or bribery is taking place.
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Declarations
- We have a simple straightforward form that allows people to make a declaration of any interests or offers of gifts
- People are required to make a “nil return” if they have no interests to declare
- They are asked to complete a declaration on appointment
- They are asked to complete a declaration annually thereafter
- Policy documents make clear that a new declaration should be made if circumstances change between declarations
- Ad-hoc declarations are made at meetings depending on the items to be discussed
Decision Making and Reporting
- Decisions on ad-hoc declarations are recorded in meeting minutes
- All declarations, including nil-returns, are recorded in a register of interests
- When an interest or an offer of gifts, sponsorship or hospitality is made a decision is made by an appropriate person
- The decision and all necessary actions are communicated to the person with the interest(s)
- Any incidents of non-compliance are acted on in line with your policies
- Reports on declarations, decisions and compliance are made regularly for oversight and assurance purposes
- We regularly communicate our expectations around the declaration of gifts and signpost people to our policies and procedures using internal communication systems
Training
- At a minimum all staff receive training in identifying and managing conflicts of interests.
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Download Your Checklist Here
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Gain the practical skills you need to identify and manage conflicts of interests with this five-star rated training course.
Available in person, online or in-house the focus on practical skills and unique post-course support you get by learning with us will ensure you and your organisation can tackle this key governance activity with confidence.
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