Conflict of Interest Policy¶
The Conflict of Interest Policy defines expectations for identifying, disclosing, and managing situations where personal interests could interfere with the professional responsibilities of individuals working with Maryland Productions (MP) and Event Revolution (RV). Decisions must always be made in the best interest of the company and its clients.
Transparency is essential to maintaining trust and integrity.
Purpose¶
Prevent personal interests from improperly influencing business decisions.
Promote transparency and ethical conduct.
Protect the company, clients, and personnel from reputational or legal harm.
Provide guidance on identifying and disclosing conflicts of interest.
Establish procedures for managing potential or actual conflicts.
Who This Policy Applies To¶
This policy applies to:
Employees (full-time and part-time)
Freelancers and independent contractors
Managers, supervisors, and project managers
Anyone involved in purchasing, hiring, scheduling, or decision-making on behalf of MP or RV
Compliance with this policy is a condition of employment or engagement.
What Is a Conflict of Interest¶
A conflict of interest exists when personal, financial, or relational interests could compromise, or appear to compromise, an individual’s judgment, objectivity, or loyalty to MP/RV.
Conflicts may be actual, potential, or perceived.
Examples of Conflicts¶
Conflicts of interest may include, but are not limited to:
Financial Interests¶
Owning or having a financial stake in a vendor, client, or competitor.
Receiving personal financial benefit from company decisions.
Accepting undisclosed compensation related to company business.
Personal Relationships¶
Supervising or influencing decisions involving family members, partners, or close friends.
Hiring, scheduling, or approving pay for individuals with whom there is a close personal relationship.
Outside Employment & Activities¶
Working for or consulting with a competitor.
Operating a side business that competes with or conflicts with MP/RV.
Using company resources for personal business.
Gifts & Favors¶
Accepting gifts, discounts, or favors that could influence decision-making.
Offering gifts or incentives to influence clients or vendors improperly.
Disclosure Requirements¶
All actual or potential conflicts must be disclosed promptly.
Disclosure must be made to: - A manager or supervisor - Project Manager (if applicable) - Designated administrative or HR contact
Disclosure is required even if no improper action has occurred.
Failure to disclose a conflict is a violation of this policy.
Gifts & Gratuities¶
Modest, customary business gifts may be acceptable when they do not influence decisions.
Cash or cash-equivalent gifts are prohibited.
Gifts exceeding nominal value must be disclosed and approved.
Soliciting gifts or favors is prohibited.
When in doubt, decline or disclose.
Use of Company Resources¶
Company equipment, systems, and information may not be used for personal gain.
Company opportunities may not be diverted for personal benefit.
Confidential information may not be used outside company business.
Misuse of resources undermines trust.
Managing Conflicts¶
When a conflict is disclosed:
Management will review the situation.
Appropriate steps may include: - Recusal from decisions - Reassignment of duties - Additional oversight - Prohibition of certain activities
Decisions will be documented where appropriate.
Disclosure does not automatically result in disciplinary action.
Prohibited Conduct¶
The following are strictly prohibited:
Concealing conflicts of interest.
Using position for personal gain.
Influencing decisions for personal benefit.
Retaliating against individuals who disclose conflicts.
Ethical conduct is mandatory.
Enforcement¶
Violations of this policy may result in:
Verbal or written warnings
Removal from decision-making roles
Removal from jobs or projects
Termination of employment or contract
Legal action where appropriate
Severity depends on the nature and impact of the violation.
Responsibilities¶
All Personnel¶
Act in the best interest of MP/RV.
Disclose conflicts promptly.
Avoid situations that could create conflicts.
Managers & Supervisors¶
Encourage disclosure.
Evaluate and manage conflicts appropriately.
Enforce policy consistently.
Acknowledgement¶
All personnel may be required to acknowledge this policy in writing. Failure to read or acknowledge this policy does not exempt individuals from compliance.