Hi Andrew Working with a Neighbourhood Forum, I have had some experience of members having to declare an interest in some of the work that is being undertaken. The first thing I would suggest would be to have the 'rules' relating to this set out in the constitution. For example: "The Forum and Task Force shall not be affiliated to any Political Party. The Project shall be run as an independent and objective activity owing allegiance only to the community. All Members of the Forum and Task Force must declare any personal interest that may be perceived as being relevant to a Project decision. This may include membership of an organisation, ownership of land or a business, or any other matter that may be considered to be relevant. Any Member failing to do so shall be expelled from their Membership". In terms of declaring an interest, it was asked that any Member inform the Chair of the Forum. It was then for the Chair to decide the level of conflict there might be and the implications of this. For example, one of our Members is a part owner of a site being promoted for development through the Neighbourhood Development Plan. Admittedly the Forum has not reached the stage of discussing sites, so I am not sure of the implications. It might be that they are not able to promote their site and this will be left to the other landowners? Hope this helps Suzanne
