Become a member today

Conflict of Interest Policy

  1. Purpose

This policy establishes mandatory requirements for identifying, disclosing, and managing conflicts of interest within The Cybersecurity & AI Governance Initiative (CAGI). Its purpose is to protect CAGI’s independence, neutrality, credibility, and decision integrity.

 

  1. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • Executive Directors
  • Steering Committee members
  • Advisory Board members
  • Chapter Presidents and officers
  • Working Group leads
  • Employees, contractors, and secondees
  • Any individual acting on behalf of CAGI in a formal capacity

 

  1. Definition of Conflict of Interest

A conflict of interest exists where an individual’s personal, professional, financial, or organisational interests could reasonably be perceived to influence, or appear to influence, their judgement or actions on behalf of CAGI.

 

Conflicts may be:

  • Actual
  • Potential
  • Perceived

 

All three are treated with equal seriousness.

 

  1. Examples of Conflicts

Conflicts include, but are not limited to:

  • Financial interests in sponsoring or member organisations
  • Employment, advisory, or board roles with entities engaging CAGI
  • Equity ownership, commissions, or incentive arrangements linked to CAGI outcomes
  • Personal relationships that could affect impartiality
  • Use of CAGI position to advance commercial advantage

 

  1. Disclosure Requirements

All covered individuals must:

  • Declare conflicts upon appointment
  • Update disclosures promptly when circumstances change
  • Declare conflicts before participating in any decision, discussion, or publication where a conflict may exist

 

Failure to disclose constitutes a policy breach.

 

  1. Management of Conflicts

Where a conflict is identified, CAGI may require one or more of the following:

  • Recusal from discussions or decisions
  • Removal from working groups or committees
  • Restriction of access to information
  • Termination of role or appointment

 

Decisions on conflict management are final and are made by CAGI Head Office or the Steering Committee, depending on role.

 

  1. Transparency

CAGI may publish aggregate conflict disclosures or governance summaries where appropriate to demonstrate independence and accountability.

 

  1. Breach and Enforcement

Breaches may result in:

  • Formal warning
  • Suspension or removal from role
  • Termination of affiliation
  • Public disclosure where required to protect institutional integrity