Standard 4: Conflicts of Interest

Implement conflict of interest policy, disclose and manage conflicts, ensure fair transactions with insiders, and prevent undue benefits. Land trusts have policies and procedures to avoid or manage real or perceived conflicts of interest. A land trust operates in the public interest—not for the benefit of any individual. Both actual conflicts and the perception of a conflict can damage a land trust’s credibility. To avoid conflicts, a land trust should adopt and follow a written conflict of interest policy. A board member who thinks his or her participation in a board action could be viewed as a conflict should not attempt to influence that action and should not be present for discussion on the issue. Staff members who think they may have a conflict should disclose their concerns to their supervisor or as described in the organization’s conflict of interest policy. Other parties may also have conflicts of interest, and the policy should state how those conflicts are addressed. An individual who perceives the likelihood of serious continuing conflicts should not serve on the board or staff, both for legal reasons and to preserve the land trust’s credibility.