Associates PolicyAppendix 3: Conflict of interest
Associates Policy
Appendix 3: Conflict of interest
Associates must comply with the contracted terms and conditions set out in the purchase order which will always take primacy.
1.What is a conflict of interest?
1.1.A conflict of interest arises where an associate has a private interest which might influence, or be perceived to influence, that person’s judgment in carrying out the duties as determined by their contract for service.
1.2.When a reasonable person would conclude that there is a real possibility that an Associate is or could be biased because of a particular interest then the College will deem there to be a conflict of interest.
1.3.This is not a definitive list but examples of relevant interests where a conflict might arise include:
a.Making a decision or leading on a piece of work where the Associate has a strong personal belief about the nature of the requirement.
b.A past or present interest or relationship that could reasonably be thought to cast doubton an Associate’s independence or impartiality with regard to his or her duties as anAssociate.
c.Membership of, or any position within, a political party, pressure/interest group, voluntary organisation or any association connected directly or indirectly which may be aconflict.
d.Being directly approached by a client to take on subsequent work as an independent consultant when that work results from or is connected to a piece of work undertaken on behalf of the College.
e.A commercial conflict of interest and/or activities where the engagement of an associate, who is also competing with the College for similar, or the same area of business, would provide the associate with access to commercially sensitive, or advantageous information, or access to clients which would provide them with an inappropriate commercial advantage to the detriment of the College or breach fair competition.
2.Aims
2.1.To ensure that our work is carried out free from improper influence and that it is independent, fair and devoid of bias and is seen to be so.
2.2.To ensure that all individuals or organisations representing the College reflect the highest standards in accordance with the College’s role as a professional body for policing, promoting and setting standards in accordance with the Code of Ethics.
3.How does this apply in practice?
3.1.It is the responsibility of all Associates not to put themselves or the work of the College in a position where there is a conflict between the duties required as set out in the contract and their own private interests by keeping their engaging manager updated where this might be the case or in respect to any changes to their personal situation which might affect this.
3.2.As part of the expression of interest form Associates must make known any conflict of interest and to confirm that they will proactively inform the College should a conflict occur at any time in the future.
3.3.The Associate will need to consider whether any past or present interest, or association with any person or body, or any fact or matter (whether entailing an association with any person or otherwise) of whatsoever nature, might reasonably be expected to give rise to a conflict of interest or the suspicion of a conflict. The conflict might arise where an interest might influence or be perceived to influence the Associate in delivering his or her engagement.
3.4.The Associate has a responsibility at all times to advise their engaging manager at the College of any appointments or changes to their personal circumstances which may in turn cause potential conflicts of interest.
3.5.If at any time in the course of their provision of services an Associate recognises a potential conflict they must advise the College. At this point the College will decide on the most suitable course of action.
3.6.Where there is a potential conflict of interest, the College will agree with the Associate what action, if any, should be taken. In many cases this is likely to mean that the Associate will be asked to stand down for the particular activity that they have been asked to undertake. The sooner the potential conflict is identified and an assessment made the better.
3.7.This information may be published if there has been improper influence as a result of the conflict of interest or there is a legal obligation to do so.
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