Conflict of Interest Policy
Employees, board members, and volunteers of the Executive Service Corps have an obligation to conduct its business within guidelines that prohibit actual or potential conflicts of interest. This policy establishes only the framework within which ESC wishes its business to operate. When in doubt, employees, board members, and volunteers can and should seek further clarification from the Chair or the President on issues related to the subject of acceptable standards of operation.
Definition of Conflict of Interest
An actual or potential conflict of interest occurs when an employee, board member, or volunteer is in a position to influence a decision that may result in a personal gain for him or her or for a relative as a result of Executive Service Corps’ business dealings.
For the purpose of this policy, a relative is any person who is related to the employee, board member, or volunteer by blood or marriage, or whose relationship with the employee, board member, or volunteer is similar to that of persons who are related by blood or marriage.
Disclosure Requirements
No presumption of guilt is created by the mere existence of a relationship with outside firms.
However, if an employee, board member, or volunteer has any influence on transactions involving purchases, contracts, or leases, it is imperative that he or she discloses to the Chair or President of Executive Service Corps as soon as possible the existence of any actual or potential conflict of interest.
This disclosure allows safeguards to be established to protect all parties.
Examples of Personal Gain
Personal gain may result not only in cases where an employee, board member, volunteer, or relative has significant ownership in a firm with which Executive Service Corps does business, but also when an employee, board member, volunteer, or relative:
Receives any kickback, bribe, substantial gift, business relationship, or other special consideration as a result of any transaction of business dealings involving Executive Service Corps.
All gifts of money are considered substantial gifts and may not be accepted.
Other gifts are not substantial if they are of nominal value and could not be refused without discourtesy.
Use of ESC Property
The materials, products, designs, plans, ideas, and data of Executive Service Corps are the property of Executive Service Corps, and should never be given to an outside firm or individual except through normal channels and with appropriate authorization.
Unacceptable Conduct
Any improper transfer of material or disclosure of information, even though it is not apparent that an employee, board member, volunteer, or relative has personally gained by such action, constitutes unacceptable conduct.
Any employee, board member, or volunteer who participates in such practice shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
