1. Purpose

This Conflict of Interest Policy is designed to ensure that all trainers and assessors involved in the delivery, assessment, or administration of our health and safety training courses maintain the highest standards of professional integrity. The policy specifically addresses situations where personal, professional, or financial interests between a trainer/assessor and a participant may conflict with their responsibilities, potentially compromising the integrity of training and assessment. This policy aims to protect the fairness, credibility, and integrity of the organisation and its participants.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all trainers and assessors delivering or assessing health and safety training courses. It covers all circumstances where a conflict of interest may arise between a trainer and/or assessor and a participant, and outlines steps to be taken to mitigate such conflicts in order to maintain impartiality in the training and assessment process.

3. Definition of Conflict of Interest

A conflict of interest occurs when a trainer or assessor has a personal, financial, or professional relationship with a participant that may unduly influence their judgement or decision-making. Such conflicts can include, but are not limited to:

• Personal or familial relationships with a participant, such as relatives, close friends, or acquaintances.
• Financial or business interests with a participant or their organisation.
• Any situation where a personal connection may impair objectivity during training or assessment.

4. Identifying a Conflict of Interest

Trainers and assessors must continuously assess their professional interactions with participants to identify potential conflicts of interest. Examples of situations where a conflict may arise include:

• Personal Relationships: Training or assessing a participant with whom the trainer/assessor has a familial or close personal relationship.
• Financial Interests: Having a financial interest in the participant’s success, such as working for or having investments in the participant’s business.
• Professional Ties: Prior or ongoing professional relationships with a participant that could influence the fairness of the training or assessment.

5. Disclosure Requirements

Trainers and assessors are required to disclose any potential, actual, or perceived conflicts of interest in writing to the course coordinator or relevant manager as soon as such conflicts are identified. Disclosures must be made:

• Before the start of any training or assessment process.
• When a conflict of interest arises during the course or assessment.
• As part of an ongoing review throughout the course duration.

6. Managing Conflicts of Interest

Once a conflict of interest is disclosed, appropriate measures will be taken to ensure impartiality. These may include:

• Reassignment of Duties: The trainer or assessor involved in the conflict may be reassigned, and another trainer or assessor will take over the responsibility of the participant in question.
• Recusal from Decision-Making: The trainer or assessor may be asked to recuse themselves from any decisions or assessments relating to the participant.
• Transparency and Communication: Full transparency with all stakeholders, including the participant, to ensure trust in the process.

7. Training and Awareness

All trainers and assessors will receive training on this Conflict of Interest Policy as part of their onboarding and will be required to confirm their understanding. Refresher sessions will be held periodically, and updates to the policy will be communicated as needed.

8. Non-Compliance

Failure to disclose a conflict of interest or follow the provisions of this policy may result in disciplinary action, which may include removal from training or assessment duties. The organisation reserves the right to investigate any breaches of this policy and take appropriate corrective action.

9. Review of the Policy

This policy will be reviewed annually or as required to ensure it remains relevant to the organisation’s needs and effective in preventing and managing conflicts of interest. Any updates will be communicated promptly to all trainers and assessors.