Managing conflicts of interest

01What counts as a material conflict

A material conflict includes, but is not limited to, a relationship with an entrant as a:

• Current client or customer.
• Former client or customer within the last 24 months.
• Supplier or service provider.
• Investor, shareholder or anyone with a direct financial interest in the outcome.
• Direct competitor in the same category.
• Family member or member of the same household.
• Business partner or fellow director.
• Current or former employer or employee within the last 24 months.
• A close personal relationship.

02Declaration

Everyone involved declares known relationships before judging begins, and has an ongoing duty to declare a conflict the moment it becomes apparent.

03Management and recusal

• Where a material conflict exists, that person takes no part in assessing or discussing the entry.
• The entry is reassigned to judges with no conflict.
• The recusal is recorded.

04Non-material relationships

Simply working in the same sector, or being a distant acquaintance, is not automatically disqualifying. Where there is any doubt, declare it and let the Steering Group decide.

05Sponsors, partners and entrants

Commercial partners are welcome to enter, and are assessed like any other entrant. No one assesses a category in which they — or a business they are connected to — are competing.

06Records and oversight

Declarations and recusals are logged. The Steering Group reviews them and can require a further recusal where it considers a conflict material.