Conflicts of interest
Conflicts of interest
Applies to
Maintained Schools, Academies and Free Schools
Background
Conflicts of interest may arise where an individual's personal interests, business interests, family interests, loyalties or other responsibilities conflict, or could reasonably be perceived to conflict, with those of the governing board, committee or academy trust board.
Conflicts of interest can:
- Inhibit open and impartial discussion.
- Influence, or appear to influence, decision-making.
- Result in decisions that are not in the best interests of the school or trust.
- Damage the reputation of the governing board or academy trust board.
- Undermine public confidence in governance arrangements.
Governors, trustees and associate members must act with integrity and in the best interests of the school or trust. They should ensure that decisions are made objectively and are seen to be made objectively.
Having a conflict of interest does not necessarily mean that an individual has acted improperly. However, any actual, potential or perceived conflict must be identified, declared and managed appropriately.
Examples of conflicts of interest
Examples include situations where:
- A governor, trustee or a connected person could benefit financially or otherwise from a decision.
- A governor or trustee has a personal, professional or business interest in a matter being considered.
- A governor or trustee owes duties to another organisation that may conflict with their responsibilities to the school or trust.
- A governor or trustee is involved in recruitment, performance management or disciplinary matters concerning a relative, partner or close associate.
- A governor or trustee serves on the board of another organisation that may create a conflict.
If in doubt, declare the interest.
Identify and Declare
Every governing board and academy trust board should maintain a Register of Interests.
The register should include, where applicable:
- Employment and business interests.
- Directorships.
- Significant shareholdings.
- Trusteeships and governance appointments.
- Membership of other educational establishments.
- Relationships with members of staff, governors, trustees or senior leaders where relevant.
Nil returns should be recorded.
All governors, trustees and associate members should complete and regularly review their declarations.
There should be a standing agenda item at the beginning of each meeting to allow declarations of any actual, potential or perceived conflicts relating to items on the agenda.
Publication Requirements
Maintained Schools
Schools should publish governors' relevant business and pecuniary interests on their website. This should include:
- Business interests.
- Governance roles in other educational institutions.
- Material relationships between governors and school staff where appropriate.
Academies and Free Schools
Academy trusts must maintain and publish a Register of Interests in accordance with the Academy Trust Handbook.
Manage and Prevent Conflicts
Once an interest has been declared, the governing board, committee or trust board should determine what action is required.
This may include:
- Recording the declaration only.
- Restricting involvement in discussion.
- Requiring withdrawal from part of the meeting.
- Requiring withdrawal from discussion and voting.
The action taken should be proportionate to the nature and significance of the conflict.
Record
The minutes should clearly record:
- The nature of the conflict.
- The individual(s) concerned.
- Any declaration made.
- Whether the individual withdrew from discussion or voting.
- Any action taken by the board.
- Confirmation that proper governance procedures were followed.
DfE Guidance
Maintained Schools Governance Guide
Guidance on effective governance in maintained schools. Updated July 2026.
Requirements relating to governance, accountability, financial management and conflicts of interest in academy trusts.
School Governance Regulations 2013: Departmental Advice
Guidance to help school leaders and governing boards understand their obligations and duties.
Legislation
Maintained Schools
Academies and Free Schools
- Articles of Association
- Academy Trust Handbook
- Funding Agreement
- Scheme of Delegation, where applicable.
Further Information
Governors, trustees and governance professionals should ensure that declarations of interests are reviewed annually and updated whenever circumstances change.
Where uncertainty exists, individuals should seek advice from the Chair, Governance Professional/Clerk or Trust Governance Lead before participating in discussions or decisions.