This policy sets out the principles for Conflict of Interest within St Dominic Savio PTA. It is relevant to all within the association and is endorsed by the committee of St Dominic Savio PTA. It will be reviewed annually to ensure that it remains appropriate to the Organisation and its volunteers needs.
As Committee Members and Trustees of St Dominic Savio PTA we understand it is our duty to make decisions that are in the best interests of the parent teacher association (PTA). We know that where any of us hold a personal or other interest, this will stop us from achieving this duty and acting in the best interest of our PTA.
An example of a conflict of interest is:
Membership of another organisation *
An educational charity is making a decision about delivering a programme of work at regional arts centres, including a centre where one of its trustees is a member.
This conflict is a conflict of loyalty because the trustee has a connection with the arts centre through their membership. However, the trustees may conclude that this is a low-risk conflict of loyalty which, once declared, does not need to prevent the trustee from participating because:
- the trustee’s connection to the arts centre is through membership only
- the trustee’s membership is likely to have no bearing on their approach to the decision • any benefits to arts centre members which result from the decision will only affect the trustee in the same way as other members
Our PTA takes the following steps to identify and deal with any conflicts of interest:
We make all new committee members aware of this policy and the advice on conflicts of interest and the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
We ask all committee members to declare any conflict of interest
1) When they are appointed
2) At the beginning of each meeting
3) Whenever a committee member becomes aware of a possible conflict of interest This is usually noted in the committee meeting minutes. This is available to all our committee members by email.
In line with clause 9.3 in our constitution, any committee member with an identified conflict of interest is asked to withdraw from any discussion of and/or vote on that issue.
Where conflicts of interest arise, we will detail in the minutes of the meeting how this has been addressed.
The PTA will work to make sure there is a good mix of parents and staff across the school involved within the PTA. This will stop any one part of the school being overly-represented.
Where decisions made may favour one year group, subject area or particular aspect of the school over others we ensure that
*This is from the Charity Commission Guidance on Conflicts of Interest which is shared with all committee members
- We have specifically consulted (i.e. with the school, parents and pupils) to ensure it is appropriate; and b. Over time will ensure that all aspects of the school will benefit equally.
This policy will be reviewed annually by the St Dominic Savio PTA committee.
*This is from the Charity Commission Guidance on Conflicts of Interest which is shared with all committee members