ArtsQuest Board Governance Manual

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST GUIDELINES
In order to safeguard the activities and assets of ArtsQuest, all ArtsQuest Trustees, Directors, Officers, Employees
and Volunteers (a.k.a. “Representatives”) should not have interests in outside businesses which conflict or appear
to conflict with their ability to act and make independent decisions. Representatives should conduct their
business affairs in an ethical manner so that no conflict of interest, real or implied, could be construed. A conflict
of interest occurs when an employee’s actions favor his or her personal interests rather than those of the
Organization. ArtsQuest Representatives should avoid any situation which involves or may involve a conflict
between their personal interests and the interests of ArtsQuest.
A Representative is considered to have an interest in an outside business if he/she or any member of his/her
immediate family holds an ownership in the business or its property; furnishes goods or services to the business;
is a creditor, employee, agent, officer, director or consultant of the business. Outside businesses include any
person, firm, corporation, or government agency that sells or provides a service to, purchases from, or competes
with ArtsQuest.
As in all other facets of their duties, ArtsQuest Representatives dealing with the public, customers, suppliers,
contractors, competitors, sponsors, donors, members or any person doing or seeking to do business with the
Organization are to act in the best interest of ArtsQuest. Each Representative shall make prompt and full
disclosure in writing to their Board or Committee Chair, Executive Management, Human Resources or Finance, of
any potential situation which may involve a conflict of interest. Such conflicts include but are not limited to:
• Accepting fees, gifts or outside employment that directly interferes with or is in direct conflict or
competition with ArtsQuest.
• Receiving personal gifts or loans from third parties dealing with ArtsQuest such as vendors,
dealers, donors, sponsors, members or artists. Personal receipt of any gift of more than nominal
value ($100) should be courteously refused. No personal gift of money should ever be solicited or
accepted. The term “gifts” could apply not only to material items, but works of art, intellectual
property, and discounts on personal purchases greater than those afforded to the public, member
or staff. When in doubt about receipt of a gift, the Representative has an obligation to disclose the
circumstances surrounding the gift as described above.
• Ownership by employee or by a member of their family of a significant interest in any outside
enterprise which does or seeks to do business with or is a competitor of the Organization. Owning
stock, debt or interest in another third party entity or organization doing business with ArtsQuest.
• Serving as a director, officer, partner, consultant, or in a managerial or technical capacity with an
outside enterprise which does or is seeking to do business with or is a competitor of the
Organization. Exceptions to this can only be approved by the President and CEO of ArtsQuest.
• Acting as a broker, finder, go-between or otherwise for the benefit of a third party in transactions
involving or potentially involving the Organization or its interests.
• Receiving remuneration for services with respect to individual transactions involving ArtsQuest.
• Using ArtsQuest time, personnel, information, equipment and supplies other than for approved
ArtsQuest activities, programs and purposes. Any use for personal gain or to the detriment of the
organization is strictly prohibited.
• Any information about ArtsQuest’s programming, marketing, finances and operations not meant to
be readily available to the public is considered proprietary and is not to be shared.
• Involvement in any other arrangements or circumstances, including family or other personal
relationships, which might dissuade the Representative from acting in the best interest of the
Organization.
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