Conflict of Interest Policy

Guardians of Vision Foundation (GVF) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership in all aspects of our work.

We recognize that our beneficiaries, donors, partners, volunteers, and the public place their trust in us. To preserve that trust, all decisions made on behalf of the Foundation must be based solely on what is in the best interest of the Foundation and the communities we serve.

This Conflict of Interest Policy establishes the principles and procedures for identifying, declaring, managing, and, where necessary, avoiding conflicts of interest.

The purpose of this policy is to:

This policy applies to everyone acting on behalf of Guardians of Vision Foundation, including:

A conflict of interest arises when an individual’s personal, financial, family, professional, or business interests could influence, or appear to influence, their ability to make objective decisions on behalf of Guardians of Vision Foundation.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Awarding contracts or purchasing goods and services from a company owned by a trustee, employee, volunteer, or close family member without appropriate disclosure and approval.
• Using Foundation funds, assets, information, or opportunities for personal gain.
• Participating in decisions where a personal, financial, or family interest exists.
• Accepting gifts, hospitality, favours, or benefits that could influence professional judgement.
• Holding outside employment or business interests that interfere with responsibilities to the Foundation.
• Recruiting or supervising close relatives without following approved procedures.

Duty to Declare:

All trustees, employees, volunteers, and representatives of the Foundation have a responsibility to disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest as soon as it becomes known. Declarations should be made promptly and before participating in any related discussion or decision-making process.

When a conflict of interest is identified, the Foundation may take one or more of the following actions:

The chosen approach will depend on the nature and significance of the conflict.

Gifts and Hospitality: Representatives of Guardians of Vision Foundation should not solicit or accept gifts, hospitality, favours, or other benefits that may influence, or appear to influence, their independence or decision-making. Modest tokens of appreciation that are lawful, reasonable, and culturally appropriate may be accepted where they do not create a conflict of interest or obligation.

Confidentiality: Individuals must not use confidential information obtained through their role with the Foundation for personal benefit or to benefit another individual, organization, or business. Confidential information must continue to be protected even after an individual leaves the Foundation.

Responsibility of the Board: The Board of Trustees is responsible for promoting ethical governance and ensuring that conflicts of interest are identified, appropriately managed, and documented. The Board may review declarations periodically and implement additional measures where necessary to safeguard the Foundation’s integrity.

Review of this Policy: This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains effective, reflects best governance practices, and complies with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Contact Us:

For questions regarding this policy or to declare a conflict of interest, please contact:

Guardians of Vision Foundation is committed to conducting its activities with honesty, impartiality, and accountability. We believe that identifying and managing conflicts of interest is essential to maintaining public confidence, protecting donor resources, and ensuring that every decision we make advances our mission of restoring sight, preventing avoidable blindness, and transforming lives.