Declaration of Interests: Code of Practice
This Code of Practice is an internal requirement which applies to employees, and to volunteers who choose to participate in MCofS committee work. It applies to MCofS staff, members of the Board and Executive, and to all co-opted members of specialist committees.
The MCofS starts from the position of trusting the integrity and professionalism of all staff and volunteers, who are expected to act in the best interests of the MCofS at all times. There will, however, be occasions when an individual has more than one legitimate interest. Such interests may conflict with those of the MCofS. In order to protect themselves and the MCofS, staff and volunteers should always declare a conflict of interests at the time it arises.
The first point of disclosure is the Register of Interests Form on the final page of the code of practice. The form should be completed annually in January and returned to the Senior Officer of the MCofS within 7 days of issue. The Senior Officer will maintain a register of interests from completed forms. This will be processed in accordance with data protection principles as set out in the Data Protection Act 1998. The Company Secretary will maintain a Register of Director’s Interests.
The second point of declaration is at the start of each committee meeting. Each Board, Executive and committee meeting agenda should contain a standing item for the declaration of interests that may be relevant to the business to be discussed at the meeting. Those who are aware there is a conflict of interest should take the opportunity to make known that there is a possible conflict. This will help to ensure transparency and avoid any accusations of impropriety.
The Code of Practice is downloadable from here.
The Register of Interests Form is downloadable from here.