Conflict of interest policy of

THE CANADIAN MARITIMES UNIT NUMBER 194 OF THE AMERICAN CONTRACT BRIDGE LEAGUE

 

1.    Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to help board members of THE CANADIAN MARITIMES UNIT NUMBER 194 OF THE AMERICAN CONTRACT BRIDGE LEAGUE to effectively identify, disclose and manage any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest in order to protect the integrity of [insert name of charity] and manage risk.

2.    Objective

THE CANADIAN MARITIMES UNIT NUMBER 194 OF THE AMERICAN CONTRACT BRIDGE LEAGUE Board (called the ‘board’ in this policy) aims to ensure that board members are aware of their obligations to disclose any conflicts of interest that they may have, and to comply with this policy to ensure they effectively manage those conflicts of interest as representatives of THE CANADIAN MARITIMES UNIT NUMBER 194 OF THE AMERICAN CONTRACT BRIDGE LEAGUE.

3.    Scope

This policy applies to the board members of THE CANADIAN MARITIMES UNIT NUMBER 194 OF THE AMERICAN CONTRACT BRIDGE LEAGUE (hereinafter called “the Unit”.

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 Unit. Personal interests include direct interests as well as those of family, friends, or other organizations 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 the Unit and another duty that the board member has (for example, to a business. A conflict of interest may be actual, potential or perceived and may be financial or non-financial.

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 Unit and must be managed accordingly.

5.    Policy

This policy has been developed because conflicts of interest commonly arise, and do not need to present a problem to the Unit if they are openly and effectively managed. It is the policy of the the Unit 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 the Unit.

The Unit 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 conflicts of interest across the Unit,

•       monitoring compliance with this policy, and

•       reviewing this policy on an annual basis to ensure that the policy is operating effectively.

The Unit must ensure that its board members are aware of that they must disclose any actual or perceived conflicts of interests.

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 the board’s register of interests.  as well as being raised with the board. The register of interests must be maintained by the Secretary of the Unit, and 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).

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 disclosing and any other conflicted board member) must decide whether or not those conflicted board members should:

•         participate in any debate, or

•         be present in the room during the debate and the voting.

•         In any event, no conflicted board member shall participate in the vote related to the conflict.

•         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 whether 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 Unit’s objects and resources; and

•         the possibility of creating an appearance of improper conduct that might impair confidence in, or the reputation of, the Unit.

•         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 a Board member or Unit member suspects that a board member has failed to disclose a conflict of interest, they must notify the Secretary in writing or by electronic media.  The Secretary will then conduct an investigation, which will include discussion with the affected member and report his or her findings to the President.  The President will then bring this to the Board for further action, if necessary.

Contacts

For questions about this policy, contact the Secretary.