Trustees Code of Conduct

Trustees Code of Conduct

Constitution and Objects

1. The Society shall be called “THE GALLOWAY CATTLE SOCIETY OF GB AND IRELAND” and shall operate as a charitable organisation for charitable purposes. The expression “charitable purposes” shall mean a charitable purpose under Section 7 of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 which is also regarded as a charitable purpose in relation to the application of the Taxes Acts.

2. The Charitable Purposes of the “THE GALLOWAY CATTLE SOCIETY OF GB AND IRELAND (“the Charitable Purposes”) are:

CHARITABLE PURPOSES and POWERS

3.1       The Charitable Purposes of the Society (“the Charitable Purposes”) are:

3.1.1    to educate the public generally and farmers in particular with regard to breeding, feeding, welfare, quality and purity of Galloway Cattle and to demonstrate their environmental qualities and the benefits they bring to agriculture and conservation;

3.1.2    to promote scientific, empirical and practical research into the breeding, feeding and welfare of Galloway Cattle and to use the results thereof to encourage and support best practice; and

3.1.3    to promote excellence in Galloway Cattle, and to advance education through annual and other shows and educational visits and to award prizes, awards and/or bursaries in connection therewith.

 

Code of Conduct – Galloway Cattle Society OF GB AND IRELAND

As a Board Member or Co-opted Member of the Board of Trustees of “THE GALLOWAY CATTLE SOCIETY OF GB AND IRELAND you shall have regard to the following Principles: SELFLESSNESS, INTEGRITY, OBJECTIVITY, ACCOUNTABILITY, OPENNESS, HONESTY, LEADERSHIP, ENGAGEMENT and CONTRIBUTION.

  • You must act solely in the interest of the Galloway Cattle Society of GB & Ireland and should never improperly confer an advantage or disadvantage on any person or act to gain financial or other material benefits for yourself, your family, a friend or close associate.
  • You must not place yourself under a financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence you in the performance of your duties.
  • When carrying out your duties, you must make all choices on merit and must be impartial and be seen to be impartial.
  • You must co-operate fully with whatever scrutiny is appropriate.
  • You must be as open as possible about your decisions and actions and be prepared to give reasons for your decisions and actions.
  • You may be privy to confidential and sensitive information, such as personal or commercially sensitive material. This information must not be disclosed without proper authority.
  • You should declare and record any disclosable personal interests in the manner set out below.
  • You must ensure that Society resources are used properly and in accordance with relevant policies in place.
  • You must lead by example and promote high standards of conduct.

In addition to the Code of Conduct, you are expected to comply with all Galloway Cattle Society  policies and procedures in force at any given time.

Conflict of Interest

All staff, volunteers, and Trustees of the Galloway Cattle Society of GB & Ireland will always strive to avoid conflicts of interest, whether real or perceived, between the Society’s interests and personal, professional, or business interests.

This policy ensures the Society’s integrity, transparency in decision-making, and public confidence. Trustees have a legal obligation to act in the best interests of the Society, in accordance with its Constitution.

  • Types of Conflict:
  • Appointment Conflict – e.g., a Trustee appointed via another organisation that has a matter under discussion with the Society.
  • Personal Conflict – e.g., a Trustee with a business interest in a contract being considered by the Society.
  • Examples of Conflicts:
  • Financial benefit from a decision
  • Family business involved in Society activities
  • Employment in a business transacting with the Society
  • Not Conflicts:
  • Volunteering while being a Trustee
  • Donating to the Society

Registering and Declaring Disclosable Personal Interests

The Society maintains a Register of Board Members’ Interests. Members must declare interests within 28 days of appointment. During meetings:

  • You must not take part in any related discussion or decision-making.
  • You must declare the interest and leave the room unless a dispensation is granted.
  • Any newly disclosed interest must be reported to the Secretary  within 28 days.

Registering and Declaring Gifts and Hospitality

You must not accept gifts or hospitality that could be perceived as influencing your duties. Any gift or hospitality worth £100 or more must be reported to the President and Secretary/Treasurer within 28 days. These will be recorded in the Register of Gifts and Hospitality, which will be maintained for three years and available for inspection.

Any such gift or hospitality must also be declared during relevant decision-making within this period.

THE GALLOWAY CATTLE SOCIETY OF GB AND IRELAND. 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

REGISTER OF BOARD MEMBER AND CO-OPTED BOARD MEMBER INTERESTS

This register ensures transparency regarding significant personal interests. Members are required to submit the relevant form (downloadable in PDF format) to the Secretary.