Conflict of Interest policy has become a mandatory part of an organization's policy in efforts of protecting business strategies and the organization from liability issues. IRS asks questions concerning this policy on Form 1023 and Form 990 in efforts to ensure that the public's interest is protected in the policies.
Conflict Policy
Conflict of Interest Statement
The Hangout is committed to high standards to prepare young adults from economically disadvantaged areas with education and skills necessary to achieve success and enrichment in life. It is essential that members and the general public uphold this commitment with the highest quality of confidence. Even the smallest appearance of a conflict of interest, or a potential conflict of interest, should be avoided. In order to maintain this confidence from the public and members, The Hangout has adopted this conflict of interest and disclosure policy.
The Hangout depends on its members (board, directors, officers, employees, and volunteers) to achieve its goals. It is recognized that The Hangout members may have personal, business, and professional interests that may create a potential for a real or perceived conflict of interest with the best interests of The Hangout. The Hangout does not necessarily view the existence of these interests as an impediment to participation in The Hangout activities, but does require they be disclosed.
Duty to Disclose
1. Definition
A conflict of interest "is a situation that has the potential to undermine the impartiality of a person because of the possibility of or clash between the person's self-interest and professional interest or public interest" (Conflict of Interest).
2. Applies to Whom
It is the policy of The Hangout that all members, at all times, act in the best interests of The Hangout (Ball, 2009). In performing their duties, members and representatives should not be influenced by desire for personal gain. This applies to anyone who agrees to serve The Hangout in any official capacity.
3. Who to Notify
Anyone who has knowledge of a conflict of interest, or a potential conflict of interest, will report the incident to the director, who will document and investigate the situation. It if is not clear if a conflict of interest exists, the circumstances of the situation should be reported.
4. What happens next
The situational documentation is taken before the board. The board will review, discuss the situation, and make decisions that will be documented in the board meeting minutes. If the part with the conflict of interest, or potential conflict of interest, is a board member, that person is not allowed to participate in the decision making.
5. After Board makes decisions
The director will be responsible for carrying out any decisions made by the board, whether it is communication, removal of the person, or any other action requested by the board.
6. Annual Conflict of Interest Statements
This policy will be reviewed and updated annually. Each representative or member will be required to read and sign a copy each year. The signed copies will be retained by Human Resources for a period of one year when an updated statement would need to be read and signed.
7. Refusal to Comply
Anyone who refuses to comply with this policy will be removed from participation in activities of The Hangout.
8. Confidentiality
Each representative or member should exercise care not to disclose confidential information obtained in connection to the conflict of interest, or potential conflict of interest, which might have adverse effects on The Hangout. Furthermore, representatives or members shall not disclose or use information relating to The Hangout's business for personal profit or advantage or personal profit or advantage of a family member.
Part II: Ethically Questionable Situation
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