On Board: a guide for members of management advisory boards

This guidance is for all those appointed by the Chief Executive to be a member of management advisory boards.


Registration of Interests

It is good practice for public bodies to set up, maintain and make available for public inspection a register of Board member interests.

Your Code of Conduct should contain definitions of what is required under each of these categories and if you are in any doubt as to what you should or should not be registering, you should discuss this with the Chief Executive.

The Register could also be available for inspection by the public (electronic and paper version). Public bodies could prepare a page for this purpose on their website. The electronic version of the Register does not need to include any personal information that would compromise personal security although the full details would be made available for public inspection in hard copy.

Board members should keep their entries in the Register of Interests up-to-date.

Registration Of Interests

  • Remuneration from employment, self-employment or directorships;
  • Related undertakings i.e. certain unremunerated directorships;
  • Contracts with the public body;
  • Gifts and hospitality;
  • Houses, land and buildings that you own or have an interest in which are of significance or relevance to, or bear upon the work and operation of, the public body;
  • Shares and securities - holdings in a company or organisation which are of significance or relevance to, or bear upon the work and operation of, the public body; and
  • Non-financial interests including membership or holding office in other public bodies, clubs, societies and organisations such as Trade Unions and voluntary organisations.

Declaration of Interests

In deciding whether to declare an interest, the key test is whether a member of the public, with knowledge of the relevant facts, would reasonably regard the interest as so significant that it is likely to prejudice your discussion or decision-making in your role as a member of a public body.

If you have a financial, or non-financial, interest you must declare your interest at Board meetings.

Non-Declaration of Interest

Where a material conflict of interest exists and a Board member does not declare their interest and withdraw, the Chief Executive or Chair should take appropriate action to ensure that the Board (and the Board member concerned) is not compromised.

Frequent Declarations of Interest

If as a Board member you are frequently declaring interests at meetings, you should consider whether it is appropriate for you to continue in your role. In such circumstances, you may wish to discuss your continued appointment as a Board member with the Chief Executive.

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