The Judo Life CIO – Conflict of Interest Policy

1. Purpose
This policy is designed to ensure that all decisions made by The Judo Life CIO are in the best interests of the charity and free from personal bias or undue influence.

2. Definition of a Conflict of Interest
A conflict of interest arises when a trustee or person connected to a trustee has a personal interest or loyalty that could influence their ability to make a fair decision on behalf of the charity.

3. Examples of Conflicts

• Awarding grants or benefits to a gym or business with financial links to a trustee
  
• Trustees or their families receiving financial benefit from charity-funded activities
  
• Trustees participating in decisions where they or their connected persons stand to gain
  

4. Declaration of Interests

• All trustees must declare any potential conflicts annually and update them as circumstances change
  
• These declarations will be recorded in a Register of Interests maintained by the charity
  

5. Managing Conflicts

• Where a conflict is identified, the trustee must withdraw from discussion and decision-making on the matter
  
• The remaining trustees must ensure decisions are demonstrably in the charity’s best interests
  
• Conflicted individuals may be invited to provide information but cannot vote
  

6. Specific Commitment: Limiting Fund Allocation

• No more than 25% of total grants and support funds will be awarded to students training at gyms that have a financial connection to a trustee
  
• This cap applies to ongoing activities and future funding rounds
  
  

7. Transparency and Review

• This policy will be reviewed annually
  
• Any breaches must be reported to the full board of trustees and may be referred to the Charity Commission if serious
  

8. Responsibilities

• The Chair is responsible for ensuring this policy is followed and up to date
  
• All trustees share responsibility for identifying and managing conflicts