Carmel Caterpillars Preschool

Carmel Caterpillars Pre-School

Conflict Of Interest Policy

Definition

A conflict of interest is a situation in which an individual has competing interests or loyalties. A conflict of interest can exist in several kinds of situation:

• With a public official who's personal interests conflict with his/her professional position. 
• With an employee who works for one company but who may have personal interests that compete with his/her employment. 
• With a person who has conflicting responsibilities. 

Examples

• A member of staff is related to a child in the provision.
• The manager of the Pre-School has a close relationship with the registered body of the provision.
• A member of staff holds a second employment.
• A member of staff has connection with families within their work place through social networking. 
• A member of staff provides baby sitting services for a family of the provision. 
• A member of staff is the nominated person. 

A close relationship is defined as such by the virtue of association, which is a family relationship, personal partnership, civil partnership or marriage. This may also apply to close friendships, guardianships ( Godparents), or business partner. 

Principles for effective Professional practice within the workplace.

• No employee should allow their outside activities to interfere with their work. They should not allow any conflicts between their duties or their private interest, to affect their ability to carry out their duties effectively. 
• No employee should make use of, or exploit the provision, their connection with the provision or information obtained in the course of their duties to further their own private interest. 
• No employee should act in a manner likely to bring the provision in to disrepute or affect the reputation of the business. 
• Adults should be aware that behaviour in their private lives may impact upon their work with children. 
• Employees have a duty to disclose any potential or apparent conflict of interest which may affect their ability to carry out their role. any employee who believes that they may have a conflict of interest, should consult their manager, or the committee, and complete a Declaration of Conflict of Interest form. 
• Adults should always approve any planned social contact with children or families with the management. Report and record any situation which may place a child at risk or which may compromise the setting or their own professional standing. 
• Employees have a duty to take reasonable steps to prevent conflict of interests within the workplace i.e. Re-deployment of staff if related to a child in their care. 

Conflict of interest if "nominated person" is paid staff

• In the event of the "nominated person" being a paid member of staff, any conflict of interest is registered and the nominated person is to declare what the interest is and will not be part of the decision making process. 
  
• The Nominated Person will not be part of any financial decisions with regards to pay etc, at committee meetings. 

The original of this document was signed on behalf of Carmel Caterpillars Pre-School committee by the current chairperson.