Conflict of Interest Policy

Purpose

This policy ensures that personal, financial or organisational interests do not, and are not perceived to, improperly influence the Institute's work. It protects the Institute's clients, its accreditations and its reputation.

Types of conflict

• Personal. Family, friends or personal interests in a client, supplier or object of assessment.
• Financial. Shareholdings, loans, contingent fees or other financial exposures.
• Organisational. Prior or concurrent advisory work on the same object subject to inspection, certification or independent review.
• Governance. Overlapping roles between the Institute and its clients or regulators.

Declaration obligations

All personnel declare conflicts at onboarding, annually and as they arise. Declarations are reviewed and recorded by the Compliance Officer.

Mandate-level screening

Each mandate is screened against existing engagements and declared conflicts. Where a conflict cannot be mitigated (through firewalls, staff re-assignment, etc.), the mandate is declined.

Firewalls and separation

Where mitigation is feasible, the Institute applies documented firewalls — physical, informational and organisational — and notifies relevant parties. Separation between advisory and inspection / certification on the same object is strictly maintained.

Records

Declarations, screening outcomes and mitigation measures are documented and retained. The Ethics & Integrity Committee reviews aggregate statistics at least annually.