Create a conflict of interest policy people can actually follow

General expectations are rarely enough when a real issue comes up. People may not know what counts as a conflict, when to raise it, who to tell, or whether they should step out of a discussion. A written policy turns those points into a workable process. For example, it can deal with outside business interests, family relationships, supplier connections or personal financial interests in a proposed decision. That makes the organisation's approach more consistent and easier to apply across directors, managers, committee members, employees or volunteers.

Most policies define actual, potential and perceived conflicts, explain when disclosure is required, and set out who receives and records that disclosure. They often also cover how a conflict is assessed, whether the person can stay involved in discussions, when they should abstain from voting, and how the decision should be documented. Depending on your organisation, the policy may refer to a board, committee, founders, senior staff or wider team members. Good drafting usually includes examples so the policy is easier to use in day-to-day situations rather than remaining abstract.

The main factors are who the policy applies to, how decisions are approved, and what kinds of competing interests are likely to arise in your organisation. A startup with investor involvement may need different examples and escalation points from a consultancy with referral partners or a healthcare practice with external relationships. We also consider whether you already have related documents, such as governance rules, board procedures or a code of conduct. That helps the policy fit with your existing documents instead of creating overlap or inconsistent reporting steps.

Sometimes a template helps you spot the broad headings, but it often falls short on the practical details that matter most. Common issues include unclear reporting lines, no process for recording disclosures, vague wording about who decides whether a conflict is manageable, and examples that do not fit your organisation. A policy is more useful when it reflects your actual structure and the people who will need to use it. That is especially important where there are several decision-makers, external stakeholders or recurring situations where personal and business interests may overlap.

Timing depends on whether you need a fresh draft or changes to an existing policy, and how quickly the relevant background information is available. In many matters, the first draft can be prepared within a few business days once we have the key details. You then review the draft and send through any comments or questions. The fixed-fee includes one round of amendments to refine the wording. Once finalised, the policy is ready to adopt internally. Broader governance advice or help with a live dispute would be separate work.

Working with us is simple. Start by submitting an enquiry through our website using the form at the top of this page or on our Get Started page. A legal project manager will review your enquiry within 1 business day and reach out to understand your needs.

They'll send you a fixed fee quote outlining costs, scope, and timing. If you're happy, you can accept and sign our engagement letter online. Once that's done, we'll connect you with an expert lawyer who will complete your project via email, phone, or video chat, with the timing confirmed in your quote.

If you're not looking for help with a specific matter, explore our platform, which offers free templates, tools to get your business set up, and even a free tier to get started. Whether you need legal support or just want to browse resources, we've got you covered.

At Sprintlaw, our pricing is transparent and designed for startups and small businesses. Many one-off legal services, including document drafting and reviews, are provided for a fixed fee with an upfront quote before you proceed.

Prices typically range from £100 to £1,500 depending on the complexity and scope of the work. For ongoing support, Sprintlaw Memberships include options such as legal templates, consultations, a legal helpline and credits for services.

If your project is larger or more complex, we will provide a tailored quote after understanding what you need.

Sprintlaw UK operates fully virtually, with the team working online across the UK to provide support to startups and small businesses nationwide. Many of our team are based in London and often meet at co-working offices, but our operations remain fully digital, ensuring flexibility and efficiency for both our clients and team.