What a conflict of interest means
A conflict of interest can arise when a trustee, adviser, volunteer, staff member, donor, partner or decision-maker has another interest that could influence, or appear to influence, their judgement.
Conflicts are not always wrongdoing. In humanitarian work, people often have relationships with charities, NGOs, local groups, suppliers, community contacts and aid workers. The important thing is that interests are declared early and managed properly.
Examples of possible conflicts
Financial interests
A decision involves paying a person, company or project connected to a trustee or decision-maker.
Personal relationships
A proposed recipient, supplier or partner is a friend, family member, employer, colleague or close contact.
Organisational loyalty
A person has a role with another charity, NGO, business, political group or institution involved in the decision.
Donor influence
A donor tries to influence decisions in a way that may not align with AidWorkers’ humanitarian purposes.
How conflicts should be managed
The person should declare the interest as soon as they become aware of it.
The declaration and how it was handled should be recorded.
The conflicted person should not take part in the decision where their involvement could compromise independence.
Trustees should review higher-risk decisions to make sure the organisation’s purposes remain the priority.
Independence from external control
AidWorkers should not allow any donor, partner, supplier, charity, NGO, government body, company or individual to control its decisions in a way that compromises independence or humanitarian purpose.
Support may be welcomed. Partnership may be useful. Advice may be valuable. But final decisions must remain focused on the needs of people affected by crisis and the purposes of AidWorkers.