INTRODUCTION

Youth Experience in Sport expects all trustees, staff, and volunteers involved in decision-making to act with integrity and in the best interests of the charity. This policy sets out how potential and actual conflicts of interest are identified, declared, and managed to protect the charity’s reputation and ensure transparency.
 

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Ensure that conflicts of interest do not improperly influence decisions affecting the charity.

• Provide clear guidance on identifying and managing conflicts.

• Maintain public trust and confidence in Youth Experience in Sport.
   

WHAT IS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST?
A conflict of interest occurs when a person’s personal, professional, or financial interests could, or could be perceived to, influence their decisions or actions in a way that is not in the charity’s best interests. This includes conflicts of loyalty where there may be competing interests between the individual and the charity.
 

SCOPE

This policy applies to all trustees, senior staff, committee members, and volunteers involved in governance or key decision-making roles.
 

IDENTIFYING CONFLICTS

Individuals must be aware of circumstances that may give rise to a conflict of interest, including:

• Personal or family relationships that could influence decisions.

• Financial interests or benefits related to the charity’s activities.

• Outside employment or voluntary roles that may compete with charity duties.
   

DECLARATION OF CONCLICTS

• Trustees and relevant individuals must declare any actual or potential conflicts of interest as soon as they arise.

• Conflicts should be declared at the start of meetings and recorded in the minutes.

• A register of interests will be maintained and regularly updated.
   

MANAGING CONFLICTS

• Individuals with a conflict must not participate in decisions or discussions related to that interest.

• Where necessary, the conflicted individual will be asked to withdraw from the relevant part of a meeting.

• Decisions involving conflicts that benefit trustees or connected persons must follow legal requirements and charity governing documents, including seeking Charity Commission authority if required.

• Where conflicts cannot be managed appropriately, this may require reconsideration of roles or resignation.
   

MONITORING AND REVIEW

The Board of Trustees will periodically review this policy and its effectiveness and ensure compliance by all relevant individuals.