Conflicts of Interest Policy

Date Created: September 2020
Last Reviewed: December 2024
Next Review: December 2025

Introduction

This policy outlines the obligations of the London School of Business & Education Ltd (LSBE), a company registered in England & Wales (Company Number: 12838732), regarding conflicts of interest. It provides guidance to LSBE staff, associates, and stakeholders to handle potential conflicts that may arise in their roles.

The purpose of this policy is to safeguard the integrity of LSBE, its qualifications, and its stakeholders by ensuring transparency and impartiality in all professional interactions. Individuals are encouraged to disclose any activity that might constitute a conflict of interest to avoid impropriety or bias.

This policy applies to all LSBE staff, both full-time and part-time, as well as external associates such as examiners, assessors, tutors, and administrative personnel.
 

Objectives

The objectives of this policy are to:

• Maintain the integrity of LSBE’s operations and relationships.

• Protect LSBE, its staff, students, and stakeholders from the appearance or reality of impropriety.

• Provide a clear procedure for identifying, disclosing, and managing conflicts of interest.
   

Definition of Conflict of Interest

A conflict of interest occurs when the official responsibilities of an individual (e.g., professor, instructor, assessor, IQA Quality Manager) clash with personal interests or the professional interests of the organization. Examples include:

• Situations where an individual’s self-interest undermines impartiality.

• Procedures followed by a department or individual that conflict with LSBE’s official policies or awarding body requirements.

• Personal relationships or external roles that could compromise objectivity in decision-making.
   

Procedure for Declaring a Conflict of Interest

1. Declaration:

   • Any individual identifying a potential or actual conflict of interest must declare it in writing to LSBE’s Quality Manager.

   • Failure to declare a conflict of interest may result in disciplinary action.

2. Data Protection:

   • Information provided during the declaration will be handled in accordance with data protection regulations.

   • Data will only be used to ensure decisions are made in LSBE’s best interest and not for any other purpose.

3. Management of Conflict:

   • Once declared, the individual will be withdrawn from activities that might be affected by the conflict.

   • The Quality Manager will review the situation and make recommendations to address the conflict.

4. Disciplinary Actions:

   • Internal disciplinary action may be taken in accordance with LSBE’s policies.

   • Actions will align with the severity of the conflict and comply with employment legislation and external body requirements.
      

Responsibilities of Individuals

• All staff, including external associates, must exercise sound judgment in identifying and addressing potential conflicts of interest.

• If in doubt, individuals are encouraged to seek guidance from their higher authority within LSBE.

For further details or to submit an appeal/complaint, contact:

London School of Business & Education Ltd
Kemp House, 152-160 City Road, London EC1V 2NX, United Kingdom
Email: admin@londonsbe.com

End of Policy