Conflict of Interest & Independence Policy

Purpose

This policy sets out how Meadows & Turner Building Compliance Ltd identifies, manages, and mitigates conflicts of interest and ensures independence in the delivery of Building Control activities. It supports compliance with the requirements of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) Operational Standard Rules (OSRs), Professional Conduct Rules (PCRs), and the Code of Conduct for Registered Building Inspectors, along with compliance with Regulation 3 of The Building (Registered Building Control Approvers etc.)(England) Regulations 2024 – Independence of approvers (LINK), and underpins professional integrity, impartiality, and public confidence.

Scope

This policy applies to:

Definition of a Conflict of Interest

A conflict of interest arises where an individual’s personal, financial, or professional interests could compromise, or be perceived to compromise, their independence, objectivity, or impartiality when carrying out Building Control functions and activities.

Conflicts may be:

Independence Principles

Meadows & Turner Building Compliance Ltd is committed to:

Examples of Conflicts of Interest

Conflicts may include, but are not limited to:

Declaration of Interests

Managing Conflicts of Interest

Where a conflict is identified, Meadows & Turner Building Compliance Ltd will take appropriate action, which may include:

No individual may carry out Building Control activities where a conflict of interest compromises independence.

Prohibited Activities

Meadows & Turner Building Compliance Ltd will not undertake Building Control work where independence cannot be demonstrated or maintained, including situations prohibited by legislation or regulatory guidance.

Training and Awareness

Breaches of this Policy

Failure to declare or appropriately manage a conflict of interest may result in:

Record Keeping

All conflict of interest declarations and management actions will be recorded and retained securely in accordance with data protection requirements.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed:

Conflict of Interest & Independence Policy

Purpose

Scope

This policy applies to:

All employees, Directors, officers, and managers of Meadows & Turner Building Compliance Ltd

All contractors and consultants engaged in Building Control activities

All Building Control functions & activities, including plan assessment, site inspection, decision-making, and advice

Definition of a Conflict of Interest

A conflict of interest arises where an individual’s personal, financial, or professional interests could compromise, or be perceived to compromise, their independence, objectivity, or impartiality when carrying out Building Control functions and activities.

Conflicts may be:

Actual – a conflict currently exists

Potential – a conflict could arise in the future

Perceived – a reasonable person could believe a conflict exists

Independence Principles

Meadows & Turner Building Compliance Ltd is committed to:

Acting independently of commercial, financial, or personal influence

Making Building Control decisions solely on compliance with legislation and guidance

Ensuring that no Building Control activity is influenced by other services, relationships, or interests

Examples of Conflicts of Interest

Conflicts may include, but are not limited to:

Financial interests in a project or development under assessment

Personal or family relationships with clients, designers, contractors, or dutyholders

Employment or consultancy relationships with organisations involved in the design, construction, or management of buildings

Providing Building Control services alongside prohibited or incompatible services

Declaration of Interests

All staff and relevant contractors must declare any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest as soon as they arise.

Declarations must be made to the designated senior officer, line manager or Director.

A register of declared interests will be maintained and reviewed periodically.

Managing Conflicts of Interest

Where a conflict is identified, Meadows & Turner Building Compliance Ltd will take appropriate action, which may include:

Removing the individual from involvement in the affected project

Assigning the work to an alternative inspector or external resource

Implementing additional oversight or peer review

Declining or terminating the appointment where the conflict cannot be adequately managed

No individual may carry out Building Control activities where a conflict of interest compromises independence.

Prohibited Activities

Meadows & Turner Building Compliance Ltd will not undertake Building Control work where independence cannot be demonstrated or maintained, including situations prohibited by legislation or regulatory guidance.

Training and Awareness

All staff will receive guidance on recognising and managing conflicts of interest.

This policy will form part of induction and ongoing professional development.

Breaches of this Policy

Failure to declare or appropriately manage a conflict of interest may result in:

Disciplinary action

Removal from Building Control duty

Termination of contract or employment

Notification to the Building Safety Regulator

Record Keeping

All conflict of interest declarations and management actions will be recorded and retained securely in accordance with data protection requirements.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed:

Annually, or

Following regulatory changes or identified compliance issues