A conflict is not automatically wrongdoing. The risk arises when it is hidden, poorly managed or allowed to influence a decision. Trustees, staff and relevant volunteers should disclose actual, potential and perceived conflicts promptly.
How conflicts are managed
- Maintain and regularly update a register of interests.
- Declare conflicts at appointment and at the start of relevant meetings.
- Record the nature of the conflict and action taken.
- Exclude the conflicted person from discussion, information or voting where required.
- Check the governing document and obtain authority before any trustee benefit.
- Review recurring conflicts and whether they affect a person’s ability to serve.
Common examples
Conflicts may involve employment, contracts, grants, close family or business relationships, trusteeships elsewhere, political or donor loyalties, gifts and hospitality, access to confidential information or a personal connection to a proposed beneficiary.
Decision record
Minutes should show who declared the conflict, whether they withdrew, how quorum was maintained, what information was considered and why the remaining trustees concluded the decision was in AidWorkers’ best interests.