Managing conflicts of interest

What is a conflict of interest?

A set of circumstances by which a reasonable person would consider that an individual’s ability to apply judgement, or act, in the context of delivering, commissioning or assuring taxpayer-funded health and care services is, or could be, impaired or influenced by another interest they hold.

How NHS Cheshire and Merseyside manages Conflicts of Interest

Conflicts of interest are inevitable but, in most cases, it is possible to handle them with integrity and probity by ensuring they are identified, declared and managed in an open and transparent way.

Effective handling of conflicts of interest is crucial to give confidence to patients, taxpayers, healthcare providers and parliament that decisions taken by NHS Cheshire and Merseyside are robust, fair, transparent and offer value for money.

It is essential in order to protect healthcare professionals and maintain public trust in the NHS. Failure to manage conflicts of interest could lead to legal challenge and even criminal action in the event of fraud, bribery and corruption.

NHS Cheshire and Merseyside has robust arrangements in place to manage conflicts when making commissioning decisions. These measures are outlined in the NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Conflicts of Interest Policy, with further information available within the NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Constitution.

Neil Large

Conflicts of Interest Guardian

Neil Large MBE (pictured) - Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee - is NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s Conflict of Interest Guardian. He is responsible for providing impartial and unconflicted advice and judgement to the Board, further strengthening the scrutiny and transparency of NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s decision-making processes.

As the Conflicts of Interest Guardian, Neil:

  • Is the conduit for anyone with concerns relating to conflicts of interest;
  • Is a safe point of contact for employees or workers of the ICB to raise concerns in relation to conflicts of interest;
  • Supports the rigorous application of the principles and policies for managing conflicts of interest;
  • Provides independent advice and judgment where there is any doubt about how to apply conflicts of interest policies and principles in individual situations;
  • Provides advice on minimising the risks of conflicts of interest.

To contact Neil directly please email: neil.large@cheshireandmerseyside.nhs.uk

Conflicts of Interest Breaches

Currently there are no breaches to report

Gifts, Hospitality and Sponsorship

Currently there are no entries to report