Conflicts of interest are a common and sometimes unavoidable part of any business. As such the CCG has robust systems in place to identify and manage any conflicts and has created an environment in which staff, Governing Body members and member practices should feel able, encouraged and obliged to be open, honest and upfront about actual or potential conflicts. This transparency helps to lead to the effective identification and management of conflicts.
Our Chief Officer (Dr Neil O’Brien) has overall accountability for ensuring that a robust process is in place. He is supported by the CCG’s Audit and Assurance Committee Chair who fulfils the role of Conflict of Interest Guardian and the CCG’s Head of Corporate Governance (Jill Matthewson) and Corporate Governance Officer (Amanda Million). They can be contacted via cdccg.enquiries@nhs.net
The CCG has a Standards of Business Conduct and Conflicts of Interest Policy, which applies to all its staff, Governing Body members and specific practice-based staff who are involved in some of the CCG’s activities. Any breaches of the Policy will be published here in line with statutory guidance. To-date, there have been no such breaches.
All interests will remain on the public register for six months after the interest has expired, however, records will be retained by the CCG for a minimum of six years after the date on which it expired.
Registers for our predecessor organisations – NHS Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield CCG and NHS North Durham CCG – can be found on our legacy page.
Historic Conflicts of Interest Registers for Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield CCG and North Durham CCG are available on request – Email: cdccg.enquiries@nhs.net
NHS County Durham CCG maintains a register of procurement decisions and contracts awarded, which also includes a record of any related conflicts of interest as appropriate.
The Governing Body Conflict of Interest Register from 1 April 2020 is below: