MLHR Conflict of Interests Policy

Introduction
The purpose of the MLHR Conflict of Interest Policy is to ensure that no members of the Board of MLHR have any conflicts of interests with the organisation. In order to do this we need to identify, record and manage any possible conflicts of interests to ensure that MLHR is governed in the most effective and transparent way possible,
We also want to make sure that all members of the Board are aware of their responsibility to declare up front any possible conflict of interest and commit to adhering to this policy and the review of conflicts of interest at board level.
This policy applies to all current and future members of the Board of MLHR
Definition of a Conflict of InterestA conflict of interest is any situation in which any Board member’s personal interests or loyalties would, or could be seen to, prevent them from making a decision in the best interests of the charity.
This personal interest may be direct or indirect, and can include interests of a person connected to the charity trustee through familial ties, or business or personal association.
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 and therefore must be managed accordingly.
PolicyThis policy will ensure that any conflicts of interests in MLHR are managed effectively in the interests of the organisation by asking our Board members to:

• avoid conflicts of interest where possible
• identify and record any conflicts of interest
• carefully manage any conflicts of interest, and
• follow this policy and respond to any breaches.

 

1. Board Responsibility – The Board is fully aware of its responsibility in terms of the Charities Regulators Guide on Conflicts of Interests and therefore keeps a Register of Interests, manages this and ensures that it is regularly monitored and updated
2. Register of Interests – When an actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest is identified, it is entered into the MLHR Register of Interests which is maintained by the member of the Board allocated this key role. When it is recorded, the nature and extent of the conflict of interest must be included as well as any steps taken to address it.
3. Disclosure – This information is protected by our GDPR policy and is of relevance only to the Board members, unless otherwise required by law.
4. Action – Once there has been identification of the conflict of interests, the Board members (excluding the person to whom the conflict of interests applies) must decide whether the conflicted member should:
   1. vote on the matter (this is a minimum),
   2. participate in any debate,
   3. or be present in the room during the debate and the voting

 
Compliance
If the MLHR Board of Directors believes that a person subject to this policy has failed to comply with it, it will investigate the circumstances. If it is found that this person has failed to disclose a conflict of interest, the Board may take action against the person. This may include seeking the person’s resignation from the charity.