Conflict of Interest

HRGB Policy on Conflict of Interest and Integrity

The HRGB Policy on Conflict of Interest and Integrity, applies particularly to those members who are Trustees, (i.e. National officers and Regional NEC Representatives) or who hold specific appointed positions within the organisation. Such positions may be permanent (as listed in Reverberations and on the website) or temporary, while arranging a major event on behalf of HRGB for example or participating in a sub-committee or working group. For ease of reference all the above are referred to in this document as “officers”.  While not specifically included, Regional Officers and Committees may find it beneficial to adopt these procedures to avoid any future accusations of conflict.

To meet the high standards expected by the Charity Commission, any interests which might lead to a conflict must be declared and recorded.  Such conflicts can arise (or be perceived to exist) where an officer or close family member, has a financial or other interest in an organisation connected with the activities of HRGB.  A ‘connected organisation’ may be in the areas of instrument or equipment manufacture, sales, restoration or maintenance; music publishing; IT provision; catering or venue provision.

A business interest of this sort does not preclude a member from holding office and undertaking activities within HRGB but for the avoidance of any possible misunderstanding, anyone engaged with HRGB activities is required to follow these procedures.

Register of Interests

The National Secretary will maintain a Register of Interests file containing a copy of each Annual Declaration as set out below together with a record of any conflict of interest disclosed.

Annual Declarations (downloadable from the pdf file below)

Upon appointment and at the start of each calendar year thereafter, each Trustee and officer should submit an Annual Declaration of interest to the Secretary, including a NIL return if appropriate.

The Annual Declaration should set out any financial interest or position of responsibility held by a Trustee or an officer (or any close family member) which could be seen as potentially preventing them from acting in the best interests of the society:

  • Financial interests are those involving ownership of any shares, voting rights or equivalent in, or receiving annual or occasional income from, a connected organisation;
  • Positions of responsibility include directorships, partnerships, trusteeships, consultancies and employment in a connected organisation.

Annual Benefit Review (see Gifts and Hospitality)

The NEC will review annually any payments and other benefits which Trustees or officers have derived from the society’s activities in the previous year.  Payments and benefits forming part of this review include (but are not limited to) loans, gifts, prizes, sponsorships, employments and contracts (whether oral or written).

In each case, the NEC should confirm, to their satisfaction, that those benefits or payments were proportionate and not contrary to the society’s charitable objectives.  The criterion for declaration is whether a reasonable third party might consider that the objectivity of the views of a Trustee or officer might be affected.  Identified instances of actual personal benefit to trustees are to be recorded in the annual accounts.