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Governors and trustees supplying schools with goods or services

Find out how to manage conflicts of interest if you’re buying a governor's or trustee's goods or services. If you're an academy trust, understand the rules around managing related party transactions.

Last reviewed on 4 August 2023See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 41726
Contents
  1. Manage any conflicts of interest 
  2. Definition of a ‘related party’ 
  3. Managing related party transactions
  4. Payment of trustees
  5. Competitive procurement procedures

Manage any conflicts of interest 

Boards in academies can pay for goods or services provided by someone who's serving on the board.

However, the individual must not put themselves in a position where their personal interests conflict with their duty unless they're authorised to do so.

If there's a conflict, your board should assure itself that the procurement transaction: 

  • Is in its best interests
  • Will better help it achieve its purposes

Your board must:

  • Manage, and be seen to manage, any conflicts of interest that may arise
  • Be open and accountable to those with an interest

This is set out in the Governance Handbook (paragraph 76, page 50).

You must also meet extra requirements in relation to related party transactions, which we'll cover below. 

Make sure the relevant trustee isn't part of the procurement process for any