Healthwatch Sefton Register of Interests Policy

This Policy is available in alternative formats on request.

Healthwatch Sefton Register of Interests Policy

All members of Healthwatch Sefton should declare any information appropriate for inclusion on a ‘Register of Interests’ and where members have a conflict of interest they should declare it and withdraw from the decision making process. This is to assure the public that Healthwatch Sefton responsibilities, are carried out in an impartial and transparent way. Failure to declare conflicts of interest is a breach of the Healthwatch Sefton Code of Conduct.

Simply knowing a register exists together with this policy, will assure the public and our members that we do not take decisions in a way which furthers our own interests and that our responsibilities are carried out clearly and honestly.

What is an interest?

This is a key question. The criteria is not whether the member thinks they have an interest to declare but whether another Healthwatch Sefton member, Member of the Healthwatch Sefton staff team or a member of the public would think they have an interest to declare.

An example of a declarable interest would be one which was of financial benefit, such as a member deciding about care services which they, or a group to which they belong, provide. It would also be knowledge of, or an interest in, another person, such as friends or family members. However, it is not just about financial benefit – you should also declare where you have a special interest in the health and social care field such as being a governor or trustee of a hospital for example. This will ensure that any potential Healthwatch discussions or decisions concerning that interest can be undertaken in an open and transparent way.

Ask yourself these questions:

Will it affect me financially in any way? As a member of Healthwatch Sefton you are entitled to out of pocket expenses, e.g. travel or materials costs. Reimbursement for time or expertise would be considered as payment and must be declared as a conflict of interest.
Does it affect my employer or my employment?
Are you employed by or volunteer on a management committee of a voluntary sector organisation which holds a contract to deliver care services/ employed by a commercial organisation delivering care services?
If you are an organisational member (signed up to Healthwatch on behalf of an organisation), do you receive any statutory funding (NHS/ Sefton MBC)?
Are you on a decision making panel which has influence over health and social care services in another capacity?
Does it affect a group in which I have an interest?
Elected as a local Councillor or an active member of a political party?
Does it affect a close colleague, friend or relative? For example do you have a relative who works in the NHS or Social Care?
Are you a Governor of a Foundation Trust?

If in doubt raise it with the Healthwatch Sefton Staff team. If they advise you to withdraw from the decision making process then you should do so.

Remember!

Declare any conflict of interest that might be considered to influence your actions as a Healthwatch Sefton member as soon as it arises with a member of the staff team who will offer advice. You can contact us on 0800 206 1304 or info@healthwatchsefton.co.uk

Policy Reviewed: August 2024

Review Date: August 2025

Declaration of Interest to be included in the Healthwatch Sefton register.

Examples only are given below but obviously are not all-inclusive so if in doubt please check with the staff team.

Financial: For example, undertaking paid duties for an NHS Trust or Social Care Services e.g. you are patient representative and are reimbursed for your time at a local hospital. If you are registered with us because you are representing an organisation, please let us know who you are funded by (all we need to register is the name of the organisation which funds you).

……………………………………………………………………………………………

Other Interest relating to Health & Social Care: For example, you are a trustee or governor or have a special interest in any group or organisation in the health and social care field e.g. you are a Hospital Governor (see examples provided on pages 1-2 of the Register of Interests policy or contact the Healthwatch Sefton staff team for further information).

……………………………………………………………………………………………

If you have registered with us to represent an organisation, please circle below how you would describe your organisation:

Registered Charity Not for profit/ Ltd by guarantee Social Enterprise/ CIC

Please sign, date and return this form to Healthwatch Sefton.

Name:_____________________________________

(Signed)____________________________________

Date:___________________________

Healthwatch Sefton. FREEPOST RTCG-HGXH-LHRS

Sefton Council for Voluntary Service. 3^rd Floor. Suite 3B. North Wing.

Crosby Road North, Burlington House, Waterloo, L22 0LG/ info@healthwatchsefton.co.uk