CONFLICTS OF INTEREST POLICY
This policy applies for the Greater Manchester Arts Prize
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, hereinafter referred to as the Chamber has the obligation to
establish processes and controls in order to identify conflicts of interest and manage them fairly. Managing
conflicts of interest will lower the risk of the artists participating in the GM Arts Prize being unfairly
disadvantaged and ensure that the competition is held in an impartial and fair manner.
Conflicts of Interest can occur where an individual functioning as a judge on the GM Arts Prize has a personal
interest in an artist or the artist's work that potentially competes with the interest of the other participating
artists, which can make it difficult for the judge to fulfil his/her duties impartially. Even where there is no
evidence of improper actions, a conflict of interest can create the appearance of impropriety, which could
undermine confidence in the ability of the Chamber to carry out the competition properly and fairly. Conflicts
of interest can create problems if they:
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Inhibit free discussion
Result in decisions or actions that are not in the interests of a fair and open competition
Risk the impression that the judges have not acted impartially and without bias
The aim of this policy is to protect the Chamber, the artists and the judges from any appearance of
impropriety.
The declaration of interests
Accordingly, we are asking all judges to declare their interests and any gifts or hospitality received in
connection with their role in GM Arts Prize. If you are not sure what to declare, please err on the side of
caution. If you would like to discuss this issue, please contact the Head of Skills Development for confidential
guidance.
Data Protection
The information provided will be processed in accordance with data protection principles as set out in the
Data Protection Act 1998. Data will be processed only to ensure that the judges and artists act in the best
interests of the Chamber and the GM Arts Prize competition. The information provided will not be used for
any other purpose.
Managing contracts
If you have a conflict of interest, you must not be involved in judging an artist and/or the artist's work in which
you have an interest.
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What to do if you face a conflict of interest
You should declare your interest in the particular artist and/or the artist' work at the earliest opportunity and
withdraw from any subsequent discussion and/or judging of that artist and/or the artist's work. The same
applies if you face a conflict for any other reason. You may, however, participate in discussions from which
you may indirectly benefit, for example where the benefits are universal to all users, or where your benefit is
minimal.
Decisions taken where a Judge has an interest
In the event of the judges collectively having to decide upon a question in which a particular judge has an
interest, the interested judge will neither participate in the discussions nor participate in the remaining judges'
collective decision in any circumstances. A quorum must be present for the discussion and decision.
Independent external moderation may be used where conflicts cannot be resolved through the usual
procedures.
Head of Skills Development Contact Email: [email protected]
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