This template policy is intended to be used as a starting point for charities in developing their own conflict of interest policy. This policy is for general purposes only and it should only be used as a guide. Charities should adopt a policy that is suitable for their own needs and circumstances.
We also have a template register of interests and a template register of related party transactions that your charity can use.
For more information, see our guidance on managing conflicts of interest and related party transactions.
The ACNC’s general disclaimer applies to this template policy.
Conflict of interest policy
[Name of charity]
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to help board members of [charity] to effectively identify, disclose and manage any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest in order to protect the integrity of [charity] and manage risk.
2. Objective
The [charity] [board, committee of management or other governance structure as relevant] (called the ‘board’ in this policy) aims to ensure that board members are aware of their obligation to disclose any related party transactions or conflicts of interest that they may have, and to comply with this policy to ensure they effectively manage conflicts of interest as representatives of [charity].
3. Scope
This policy applies to the board members of [charity].
[It may be appropriate for your policy to apply to other people who work within the charity or for the charity, for example, managers. If you include people other than board members, you will need to change the policy to take this into account by adding their roles or positions here.]
4. Definition of conflicts of interests
A conflict of interest occurs when a person’s personal interests conflict with their responsibility to act in the best interests of the charity. Personal interests include direct interests, as well as those of family, friends, or other organisations a person may be involved with or have an interest in (for example, as a shareholder).
It also includes a conflict between a board member’s duty to [charity] and another duty that the board member has (for example, to another charity). A conflict of interest may be actual, potential or perceived and may be financial or non-financial.
Related party transactions can lead to perceived, potential, or actual conflicts of interest. Conflicts of interest may arise when a related party (for example, close family of a board member) has an interest that can conflict with the best interests of the charity.
These situations present the risk that a person will make a decision based on, or affected by, these influences, rather than in the best interests of the charity. Therefore, these situations must be managed accordingly.
5. Policy
This policy has been developed to address conflicts of interest affecting [charity].
Conflict of interest are common, and they do not need to present a problem to the charity as long as they are openly and effectively managed.
It is the policy of [charity], as well as a responsibility of the board, that ethical, legal, financial or other conflicts of interest be avoided and that any such conflicts (where they do arise) do not conflict with the obligations to [charity].
[Charity] will manage conflicts of interest by requiring board members to:
- avoid conflicts of interest where possible
- identify and disclose any conflicts of interest
- carefully manage any conflicts of interest, and
- follow this policy and respond to any breaches.
5.1. Responsibility of the board
The board is responsible for:
- establishing a system for identifying, disclosing and managing related party transactions and conflicts of interest across the charity
- monitoring compliance with this policy, and
- reviewing this policy on an annual basis to ensure that the policy is operating effectively.
The charity must ensure that its board members are aware of the ACNC Governance Standards, particularly Governance Standard 5, and that they disclose any actual or perceived material conflicts of interests as required by Governance Standard 5.
5.2. Identification and disclosure of conflicts of interest
Once an actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest is identified, it must be entered into [charity]’s register of interests, as well as being raised with the board.
Where every other board member shares a conflict, the board should refer to ACNC Governance Standard 5 to ensure that proper disclosure occurs.
The register of interests must be maintained by [person/role]. The register must record information related to a conflict of interest (including the nature and extent of the conflict of interest and any steps taken to address it).
[Charity] will also maintain a register of related party transactions. When a related party transaction may give rise to a perceived, potential or actual conflict of interest, it will be recorded in [charity]’s register of interests.
5.3. Confidentiality of disclosures
[This section should contain details of who will have access to the information disclosed, such as restricting access to board members and/or those who fulfil specific roles. It may also be necessary to provide for an alternative way to make the disclosure if additional restrictions on disclosure are required.]
6. Action required for management of conflicts of interest
6.1. Conflicts of interest of board members
Once the conflict of interest has been appropriately disclosed, the board (excluding the board member who has made the disclosure, as well as any other conflicted board member) must decide whether or not those conflicted board members should:
- vote on the matter (this is a minimum),
- participate in any debate, or
- be present in the room during the debate and the voting.
In exceptional circumstances, such as where a conflict is very significant or likely to prevent a board member from regularly participating in discussions, it may be worth the board considering if it is appropriate for the person conflicted to resign from the board.
6.2. What should be considered when deciding what action to take
In deciding what approach to take, the board will consider:
- whether the conflict needs to be avoided or simply documented
- whether the conflict will realistically impair the disclosing person’s capacity to impartially participate in decision-making
- alternative options to avoid the conflict
- the charity’s objects and resources, and
- the possibility of creating an appearance of improper conduct that might impair confidence in, or the reputation of, the charity.
The approval of any action requires the agreement of at least a majority of the board (excluding any conflicted board member/s) who are present and voting at the meeting. The action and result of the voting will be recorded in the minutes of the meeting and in the register of interests.
7. Compliance with this policy
If the board has a reason to believe that a person subject to the policy has failed to comply with it, it will investigate the circumstances.
If it is found that this person has failed to disclose a related party transaction or conflict of interest, the board may take action against them. This may include seeking to terminate their relationship with the charity.
[Insert any other relevant sanctions that are proportionate to the seriousness of a breach.]
If a person suspects that a board member has failed to disclose a related party transaction or conflict of interest, they must [description of relevant action, such as: discuss with the person in question, notify the board, or the person responsible for maintaining the register of interests].
Contacts
For questions about this policy, contact the board or [person/role] by [contact details].