Conflict of Interest and Code of Ethics:

Purpose:

 This appendix outlines the expectations for ethical conduct and conflict of interest disclosure for the APA Utah Board, Committee Chairs, Committee Members, and other designated leaders acting on behalf of the organization. All individuals in leadership positions are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and professionalism in accordance with APA Utah’s values.

1. Code of Ethics:

 APA Utah adopts and supports the ethical standards set forth by the American Planning Association (APA) and the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), including but not limited to:

• Serving the public interest above personal or professional gain.

• Promoting transparency, fairness, and inclusion in all APA Utah activities.

• Maintaining professional competence and supporting the ongoing development of others.

• Avoid actions that compromise the integrity or credibility of APA Utah.

• Respecting diversity of opinion and promoting civil, respectful dialogue.

• Upholding confidentiality when appropriate and protecting sensitive information.

• Supporting the Chapter’s decisions by supporting the Board and the vision they have. Once the Board has approved a decision, all Directors and Officers are expected to support the decision. The time for debate concludes with the vote, and unity in communication helps uphold the integrity and credibility of the organization.

The All APA Utah Board and committee members are expected to model ethical conduct in decision-making, communications, representation, and stewardship of resources 

2. Conflict of Interest Policy:

 A conflict of interest occurs when a person’s obligations to APA Utah are influenced, or could appear to be influenced, by their personal, professional, or financial interests.

 Examples of Potential Conflicts:

• Voting on contracts where the Director, Officer or committee member, or their employer, stands to benefit.

• Using inside knowledge gained through APA Utah service for personal or professional advantage.

• Promoting events, services, or opportunities from which the individual or their business would profit, without appropriate disclosure.

• Serving in a leadership role for another organization whose interests conflict with APA Utah’s mission or activities.
  
  

Disclosure and Recusal:

• Directors and Officers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest at the beginning of their term and as they arise throughout the year.

• Directors and Officers must recuse themselves from discussion and voting on matters where they have a material interest.

• Disclosures should be documented in the official meeting minutes.
  
  

Annual Disclosure Form: See Supplementary Documents:

 All Directors and Officers must complete and sign an Annual Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form at the beginning of each calendar year or upon assuming their position. See Supplementary Document.

3. Reporting and Accountability

• Suspected violations of this policy should be reported to the Chapter President

• Concerns will be reviewed by the Board or a designated ethics subcommittee.

• Violations may result in removal from a leadership role, as determined by the Board.

4.  Fiduciary Responsibilities Of The Board:

The decisions of the Board cannot result in conflicts with the nonprofit’s cause and must be consistent with their fiduciary responsibilities pursuant to the Utah Revised Nonprofit Corporation Act (Utah Code Ann. 10-6a) in exercising its powers: 

1. Duty of care including the duty of inquiry. The Board must demonstrate reasonable care in their oversight of the Chapter’s finances and operations. Duty of care and inquiry requires the Directors and Officers to be educated about the Chapter’s nonprofit mission, structure, and programs and utilize outside expert services when the decisions at hand are outside the Board’s scope of knowledge. 

2. Duty of loyalty. The actions and decisions of the Board cannot further their personal financial interests, but solely those of the nonprofit organization and its constituents. 

3. Duty of obedience. Directors and Officers are required to observe all relevant state and federal laws and the Chapter’s Bylaws in their work on the Board and act under the Chapter’s nonprofit mission. 

5. Policy Review and Modifications:

 This appendix shall be reviewed every two years or as needed. The APA Utah Board must approve updates.

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