Conflict of interest

Committee members must declare conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from affected decisions. This protects the society and ensures impartial decision-making.

What counts as a conflict

• Financial interest (personal, family, or business)
• Close personal relationship with someone affected
• Competing loyalty to another organisation
• Professional or employment relationship
• Anything that could reasonably influence objectivity

Declaration process

1. Committee member discloses conflict at start of relevant agenda item
2. Chair records the declaration in minutes
3. Member remains silent during discussion
4. Member does not vote on the matter
5. Member may leave the meeting if Chair requests

Important: Failure to declare a conflict is a serious breach of duty. If a conflict is discovered after a decision, the decision may need to be revisited.

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