CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY

1. Purpose

General and Travel Investigations Limited (GTI) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, impartiality, and professionalism in all investigations. This policy ensures that potential or actual conflicts of interest are identified, disclosed, and managed in accordance with legal, ethical, and industry standards, including the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010, the Fair Trading Act 1986, the New Zealand Fair Insurance Code, and the General Insurance Code of Practice (GICOP).

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and agents engaged by GTI. It covers:

  • Personal, financial, or business relationships that may affect impartiality

  • Engagements that create competing interests between clients

  • Any situation where professional judgment could be compromised

3. Identifying Conflicts of Interest

A conflict of interest may arise when:

  • An employee or agent has a personal or financial interest in the subject of an investigation

  • There is a pre-existing relationship with a party involved in the case

  • The investigator has previously worked on related matters that may compromise objectivity

  • Accepting an assignment could result in a conflict with an existing client’s interests

Employees and agents are responsible for assessing whether a conflict exists and must disclose any potential conflicts before commencing work on an investigation.

4. Disclosure & Management of Conflicts

4.1 Disclosure Process

  • All potential conflicts of interest must be disclosed in writing to senior management as soon as they are identified.

  • A conflict disclosure form must be completed and submitted to Admin@GTI.co.nz

4.2 Review & Resolution

  • The conflict will be assessed by senior management to determine whether it can be managed or if it necessitates withdrawal from the assignment.

  • If the conflict can be mitigated, appropriate safeguards will be implemented, such as reassignment of the case to another investigator.

  • Where a conflict cannot be resolved, GTI will decline or discontinue the engagement to maintain ethical and professional integrity.

5. Prohibited Conduct

To uphold ethical standards, employees, contractors, and agents must not:

  • Investigate cases where they have a personal or financial interest

  • Accept gifts, favors, or inducements that could influence decision-making

  • Disclose confidential client information for personal gain

  • Engage in outside work that conflicts with GTI responsibilities

6. Escalation & Compliance

Failure to disclose or manage a conflict of interest appropriately may result in disciplinary action, including termination of contract. Serious breaches may be reported to:

7. Continuous Review

This policy is reviewed annually to ensure alignment with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

For any questions regarding this policy, please contact us at Admin@GTI.co.nz

Approved by: Brook Ballantyne
Published: 1st Feb 2025