Conflicts of Interest Any Industry
Although this course is borne from UK Financial Services, it can be modified to suit any industry at no extra cost.
Background of the Trainer
The Course Director has worked with a range of organisations from small start-ups through to FTSE100 companies, many that have had difficulties identifying and managing conflicts of interests, and helped them develop effective, robust systems. He has adapted his experience to develop this course and supporting materials with the practical skills-based focus. Lee’s skills, qualifications and experience make him ideal for supporting anyone wishing to develop top-class knowledge in the management of conflicts of interests.
Having been a freelance consultant and trainer for twenty years, your course director was appointed as a skilled person in 2012 and has conducted many audits, assessments, roll-outs and change management programmes from complaints programs, conduct risk frameworks, global risk frameworks, as well as having provided regulatory interpretation to investment banks, worked on many risk mitigation programs and set up banks.
Course Summary
Conflicts of Interest has always appeared as a problem for Senior Management in the past, but following the banking crisis from 2008, transparency and clear audit trails have become even more important whether it is an insurance contract, investment products or advice right through to mergers and acquisitions. Conflicts of Interest Management is easy if it is conducted in the right way, and that right way starts with the first line, right through to the Board of Directors and shareholders.
It is the very culture of a firm that makes Conflicts of Interest manageable or not. The accurate identification and reliable assessment of the potential impact, along with defined and practical procedures to follow, make conflicts of interest management effective, fair and compliant.
Conflicts Of Interest - A Practical Guide & Workshop
- We have been delivering training for over 20 years and this is one of our core competencies. We believe we are experts on this topic and having delivered training to a wide range of firms and businesses, we are certain we know the topic as well as anyone in the market place.
- Conflicts of Interest always seems to many to be a nebulous or esoteric subject that is only for board and senior management; we will show you everyday workplace examples or situations.
- Your course director is a highly successful, qualified and experienced executive who will pass on past experiences and “war stories” generally to enhance the workshop and help bring it to life.
- We do not use academics. All our trainers are highly experienced professionals with relevant qualifications and vocational experience in the real world.
- We have delivered many core governance, risk and compliance courses over recent years and have a very clear understanding of what good and bad look like and the consequences, intended or not, of poor decision making.
- Additionally, participant feedback informs us in both a precise and timely manner what the current dilemmas and challenges are.
- We have developed highly interactive and very enjoyable case studies to enhance the learning points. All delegates report that these are a high point.
- We are always judged by our results which speak for themselves and the feedback received from previous delegates has always been excellent.
- To be able to identify conflicts of interest effectively in a timely, professional and first-class manner
- To appreciate the ethical approach to conflicts of interest and why it is critically important
- To understand the legal and regulatory framework
- To recognise the need for a clear line of communication between operations and senior management for managing conflicts of interest
- To recognise good practice
- To avoid poor, sloppy or ineffective management of conflicts of interest
- Be able to define an effective and comprehensive conflicts of interest policy
- Learn how to identify unexpected consequences or hidden conflicts of interest
- Be able to identify the best response
- Be able to create a clear and auditable method for managing conflicts of interest to ensure transparency
- Think like a compliance professional and make sure you have all the right information
What are “Conflicts of Interest”?
- Definitions of conflicts of interests;
- Identifying and recording interests;
- Conflicts of Interest in the Workplace
- Conflicts of Interest by Boards of Directors
- FCA Conflicts of Interest
- FCA – Types of Conflicts
- FCA – Record of Conflicts
- FCA – Managing Conflicts
- FCA – Disclosure of Conflicts
- The relevant legal framework surrounding conflicts of interests;
Conflicts of Interest (CofI) and Ethical Threats
- What is Ethics?
- Different types of Ethical Dilemmas
- Ethical responses and Conduct Risk or TCF
- Different Approaches to Ethics
- Conceptual Framework
- Ethical Threats and Safeguards
Rules- and principles-based approaches
- Rules-based approach
- Principles-based approach
Ethical conflict resolution
- Typical Conflicts of Interest Policy
- Gifts, sponsorship and hospitality;
- Definition and inclusions; conflict of interest in corporate governance
- Mitigating actions; how to deal with a conflict of interest at work
Best practice
- How to make decisions on identified conflicts;
- The risks around getting it wrong.
Workshop – CofI in practice
- Practical Dilemmas in the workplace; Conflicts of interest examples
- Key Issues
- Comments & Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course only relevant to UK financial services?
No. While the course is rooted in UK financial services and FCA expectations, it can be adapted for any industry at no extra cost. The principles of identifying, recording, managing and evidencing conflicts of interest apply across sectors such as professional services, property, recruitment, healthcare, procurement, and manufacturing.
Who should attend a Conflicts of Interest course?
This course is suitable for anyone involved in decision-making, oversight, client work, procurement, hiring, or governance — including first-line teams, compliance/risk professionals, senior managers, and directors. It is particularly valuable for firms that need clearer conflict registers, audit trails, and practical procedures.
What will delegates learn on the course?
Delegates will learn how to identify and record conflicts of interest, assess impact and materiality, and apply practical controls to manage or mitigate conflicts. The course also covers policy essentials, disclosure expectations, ethical dilemmas, and how to create clear decision-making processes that stand up to scrutiny.
Does the course include practical workplace examples and case studies?
Yes. The workshop uses real-world scenarios and interactive case studies to help delegates recognise conflicts in day-to-day situations and apply best-practice responses. Participants work through dilemmas, discuss options, and understand the consequences of getting it wrong.
Do you cover FCA conflicts of interest requirements?
Yes. For regulated firms, the course covers how the FCA expects conflicts to be identified, recorded, managed, and disclosed, including maintaining an appropriate record of conflicts and implementing practical controls. For non-regulated sectors, the same governance principles are applied using industry-relevant examples.
Can you help us create or improve a Conflicts of Interest policy?
Yes. The course explains what a strong conflicts of interest policy typically includes (e.g., gifts, hospitality, outside business interests, personal relationships, board conflicts, and disclosure requirements) and how to implement it with clear procedures, ownership, and governance.
How is the course delivered and can it be tailored?
The course can be delivered as an in-house workshop and tailored to your industry, business model, and key risk areas. We can adapt examples, terminology, and scenarios so the training aligns with your firm’s operational reality and governance structure.
Who delivers the course?
The course is delivered by an experienced consultant and trainer who has worked with organisations from start-ups to FTSE 100 companies. The course director has been appointed as a Skilled Person since 2012 and brings real-world experience from audits, assessments, and change programmes involving governance, conduct risk, and conflicts management.
Why do conflicts of interest matter so much today?
Conflicts of interest matter because transparency, fair decision-making, and clear audit trails are expected across industries — especially where customers, clients, shareholders, or the public could be impacted. Poor conflicts management can lead to reputational harm, regulatory issues, disputes, and commercial losses.
