Conflict of Interest Policy Local Skills Improvement Plan Participants October 2023 Why is a policy necessary? This policy relates to FSB’s grant funded activities (“the Grant Activities”) with the Department for Education (“DfE”) for the Local Skills Improvements Plan (“LSIPs”) for the areas listed below. FSB has been appointed Designated Employer Representative Body (“ERB”), pursuant to the agreement between FSB and the DfE on 26 August 2022. • • •
Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Greater Lincolnshire; and Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
This policy applies to representatives of the employer representative bodies of the Steering Group and any other relevant external stakeholders on the Steering Group (e.g. such as training providers and local authority representatives) and any other relevant external stakeholders involved in any capacity and engaged in any activity with the Grant Activities (“the participants”). This policy covers any conflict of interest, any risk of a conflict of interest (i.e. a potential conflict) and any perceived conflict arising through FSB or the participants engaging in any activity or obtaining any interest that is likely to conflict with or restrict FSB in performing the Grant Activities fairly and independently. All participants have a duty to avoid situations where there may be a conflict of interest. Accompanying policies: For FSB staff, this policy must be read in conjunction with the staff terms and conditions of employment and the staff conflict of interest policy available on myfsb. For volunteer office holders, this policy must be read in conjunction with the volunteer conflict of interest policy in the FSB Volunteer Handbook. What are conflicts of interest? A conflict of interest may arise where an individual’s personal or family interest and/or loyalties conflict with those relating to the Grant Activities. Conflicts may create problems that: • • • •
Undermine the impartiality of the data and any recommendations relating to the Grant Activities. Result in decisions or actions that are not in the interest of the Grant Activities. Inhibit free discussion. Give the impression that the participants or FSB have acted improperly. Page 1 of 3