Build the future with Norton Athletic

SPONSOR US

CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY

NORTON ATHLETIC FOOTBALL CLUB

CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY

Version: 1.0

Effective Date: 1 July 2026

Review Date: Annually

Approved By: Board of Directors

 

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all decisions made by Norton Athletic Football Club are taken in the best interests of the Club, its members and the wider community.

The Club recognises that directors, officers, volunteers and members may have personal, professional, financial or family interests that overlap with Club activities.

This policy establishes procedures for identifying, declaring and managing conflicts of interest.

The objective is not to prevent conflicts from arising, but to ensure they are managed openly, transparently and fairly.

 

2. SCOPE

This policy applies to:

  • Directors
  • Officers
  • Committee Members
  • Volunteers
  • Team Managers
  • Coaches
  • Employees
  • Contractors acting on behalf of the Club

 

3. PRINCIPLES

All individuals covered by this policy shall:

  • Act honestly and in good faith.
  • Act in the best interests of the Club.
  • Avoid improper personal gain.
  • Disclose conflicts promptly.
  • Participate transparently in decision making.

The reputation of the Club shall always take precedence over personal interests.

 

4. WHAT IS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST?

A conflict of interest exists where an individual’s personal interests could influence, or appear to influence, their ability to act objectively in the best interests of the Club.

Conflicts may be:

Actual

A direct conflict currently exists.

Potential

A conflict may arise in future.

Perceived

An independent person may reasonably believe a conflict exists.

All three categories shall be treated seriously.

 

5. EXAMPLES OF CONFLICTS

Examples include:

Financial Interests

  • Supplying goods or services to the Club.
  • Tendering for Club contracts.
  • Sponsorship arrangements involving a director’s business.

Family Interests

  • Employment of family members.
  • Awarding contracts to family businesses.
  • Team selection involving close relatives.

Property Interests

  • Land transactions.
  • Lease negotiations.
  • Facility development projects.

Sponsorship Interests

  • Negotiating sponsorship with a company connected to a Board Member.

Grant Funding Interests

  • Receiving personal benefit from grant-funded projects.

These examples are not exhaustive.

 

6. DUTY TO DECLARE

All Directors and Officers have a continuing duty to disclose conflicts.

Declarations should be made:

  • Upon appointment.
  • Annually.
  • Whenever a new conflict arises.

Failure to declare a conflict may constitute misconduct.

 

7. REGISTER OF INTERESTS

The Secretary shall maintain a Register of Interests.

The Register shall record:

  • Directorships.
  • Business interests.
  • Property interests.
  • Sponsorship interests.
  • Family connections relevant to Club activities.
  • Other interests considered material.

The Register shall be reviewed annually.

 

8. PROCEDURE FOR DECLARING A CONFLICT

Where a conflict exists, the individual shall:

  1. Declare the conflict immediately.
  2. Explain the nature of the conflict.
  3. Allow the Board to determine appropriate action.

The declaration shall be recorded in the minutes.

 

9. BOARD DECISION

Following declaration, the Board may determine that the individual:

Option A

May remain and participate fully.

Option B

May participate in discussions but not vote.

Option C

Must withdraw from discussions and voting.

The Board’s decision shall be recorded.

 

10. QUOTATIONS AND PROCUREMENT

Where a Director, Officer or connected party wishes to provide goods or services to the Club:

  • Competitive quotations shall normally be obtained.
  • Value for money must be demonstrated.
  • The interested individual shall not participate in the approval decision.

The objective is transparency, not exclusion.

 

11. LAND, LEASES AND PROPERTY

Given the Club’s relationship with:

  • Raveningham Estate
  • Landowners
  • Developers
  • Contractors

all property-related interests must be disclosed.

This includes:

  • Lease negotiations.
  • Facility development projects.
  • Clubhouse projects.
  • 3G pitch developments.
  • Car park developments.

 

12. SPONSORSHIP ARRANGEMENTS

Directors and Officers may introduce sponsorship opportunities.

However:

  • Sponsorship terms must be fair.
  • Sponsorship agreements must benefit the Club.
  • Personal benefit must be declared.

The Board may request independent review where appropriate.

 

13. EMPLOYMENT AND APPOINTMENTS

The Club may appoint:

  • Employees
  • Contractors
  • Consultants

Connected parties may be considered provided:

  • The appointment is in the Club’s best interests.
  • The process is transparent.
  • The conflict is declared.

 

14. GRANTS AND FUNDING

The Club may apply for:

  • Football Foundation funding
  • Sport England grants
  • National Lottery funding
  • Community grants

Any individual benefiting directly or indirectly from a funded project must disclose the interest.

 

15. HOSPITALITY AND GIFTS

Directors and Officers must not accept gifts or hospitality that could influence decision making.

Modest hospitality may be accepted where reasonable and proportionate.

Significant gifts should be declared to the Chairman and Secretary.

 

16. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

Directors and Officers shall not use confidential Club information for personal gain.

Confidential information includes:

  • Sponsorship negotiations
  • Grant applications
  • Financial information
  • Development plans
  • Membership information

This obligation continues after leaving the Club.

 

17. BREACHES OF THIS POLICY

Failure to comply may result in:

  • Formal warning
  • Removal from decision making
  • Suspension
  • Removal from office
  • Termination of membership

depending upon severity.

 

18. PROTECTION OF DECISIONS

Provided conflicts are properly declared and managed, decisions shall not automatically be invalid simply because a conflict existed.

The objective of this policy is to ensure transparency and proper governance.

 

19. ANNUAL DECLARATION

All Directors and Officers shall complete an annual declaration confirming:

  • Interests have been disclosed.
  • The Register of Interests is accurate.
  • They will comply with this policy.

 

20. REVIEW

This policy shall be reviewed annually by the Board.

Minor amendments may be approved by the Board.

Material amendments require Member approval.

Approved by Norton Athletic Football Club

Version 1.0

Effective from 1 July 2026