Conflict of Interest Policy

Storykeepers Community CIC

Last Updated: August 2026

Purpose

Storykeepers Community CIC is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, openness and accountability.

This policy sets out how actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest will be identified, declared and managed to ensure that decisions are always made in the best interests of Storykeepers Community CIC and the communities we serve.

What is a Conflict of Interest?

A conflict of interest occurs when an individual's personal, financial or professional interests could influence, or appear to influence, the decisions they make on behalf of Storykeepers Community CIC.

A conflict may be:

  • Actual – a direct conflict exists.

  • Potential – a conflict could arise in the future.

  • Perceived – others could reasonably believe a conflict exists, even if it does not.

Who This Policy Applies To

This policy applies to:

  • Directors

  • Employees

  • Freelancers

  • Volunteers

  • Anyone acting on behalf of Storykeepers Community CIC

Declaring Interests

Individuals must declare any interests that could reasonably be considered a conflict.

Examples include:

  • Financial interests in organisations working with Storykeepers.

  • Family or close personal relationships with suppliers or contractors.

  • Personal involvement in organisations applying for funding alongside Storykeepers.

  • Any circumstance that could affect impartial decision-making.

Declarations should be made as soon as the conflict becomes known.

Managing Conflicts

Where a conflict of interest exists, Storykeepers Community CIC may decide to:

  • Record the conflict.

  • Restrict access to relevant information.

  • Exclude the individual from discussions.

  • Exclude the individual from decision-making.

  • Seek independent advice where appropriate.

The appropriate response will depend on the nature of the conflict.

Register of Interests

Storykeepers Community CIC will maintain a register of declared interests for Directors and, where appropriate, key personnel.

The register will be reviewed regularly and updated whenever circumstances change.

Gifts and Hospitality

Representatives of Storykeepers should avoid accepting gifts, hospitality or benefits that could reasonably be perceived as influencing their judgement.

Small tokens of appreciation may be accepted where appropriate and proportionate.

Any significant gifts or hospitality should be declared.

Procurement

Where goods or services are purchased, decisions will be made fairly, transparently and in the best interests of Storykeepers Community CIC.

Individuals with a conflict of interest must not participate in procurement decisions where that conflict exists.

Failure to Declare

Failure to declare a conflict of interest may result in appropriate action being taken by Storykeepers Community CIC.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or whenever significant organisational changes occur.

Our Commitment

Storykeepers Community CIC believes that trust is built through honesty, transparency and accountability.

We are committed to making decisions fairly, acting with integrity and ensuring that the interests of the communities we serve always come before personal interests.