Objective

This Conflict of Interest Policy is established to ensure that the activities and decisions of Fair Trade Certification Pakistan (FTCP) are conducted with the highest standards of integrity and in the best interests of the organization. This policy aims to identify, manage, and disclose conflicts of interest to safeguard the organization’s reputation and maintain public trust.

1. Definitions

1.1 Conflict of Interest:

A conflict of interest arises when an individual’s personal or financial interests may compromise their ability to act impartially or in the best interests of Fair Trade Certification Pakistan.

1.2 Related Party:

Individuals covered by this policy include Board Members, Employees, and Assessors involved in the certification process.

2. Disclosure

2.1 Obligation to Disclose:

Any individual with a potential conflict of interest must promptly disclose such conflict to the Ethics Committee using the designated disclosure form.

2.2 Annual Disclosures:

All Board Members, Employees, and Assessors are required to provide an annual disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest.

3. Review & Evaluation

3.1 Ethics Committee:

An Ethics Committee will be formed to review and evaluate disclosed conflicts of interest. The committee will consist of [X] members appointed by the Board.

3.2 Evaluation Criteria:

The Ethics Committee will assess the nature and extent of the conflict, potential impact on Fair Trade Certification Pakistan, and whether the conflict can be managed or requires remedial action.

4. Management & Mitigation

4.1 Recusal:

Individuals with a conflict of interest may be required to recuse themselves from discussions or decisions related to the conflicted matter.

4.2 Remedial Action:

The Ethics Committee may recommend specific actions to mitigate or eliminate the conflict, such as divestment of interests, establishing firewalls, or recusal from specific activities.

5. Documentation & Transparency

5.1 Record Keeping:

The Ethics Committee will maintain records of all disclosed conflicts, evaluations, and actions taken.

5.2 Transparency:

Fair Trade Certification Pakistan will maintain transparency by disclosing conflicts of interest and remedial actions in relevant organizational documents, reports, or communications.

6. Training

6.1 Conflict of Interest Training:

All Board Members, Employees, and Assessors will receive training on identifying, disclosing, and managing conflicts of interest.

7. Reporting Violations

7.1 Reporting Mechanism:

Fair Trade Certification Pakistan encourages individuals to report suspected violations of this policy to the Ethics Committee or a designated authority.

8. Consequences of Violations

8.1 Disciplinary Action:

Violations of this Conflict of Interest Policy may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to warnings, suspension, termination, or legal action.

9. Review of Amendments

9.1 Periodic Review:

This policy will be reviewed periodically by the Ethics Committee to ensure its effectiveness and relevance.

9.2 Amendments:

The Board may amend this policy as needed, ensuring that any changes are communicated to all relevant parties.