At the Canadian Museum of Civilization and Canadian War Museum, we required staff to report only when they thought they might be getting into such a conflict, as defined by the corporate policy on the subject. We did NOT use a standard statement, as such a device does not work all that well, given the range of possible conflicts and potential degrees of conflict. Staff felt quite comfortable simply writing a letter to the Director, Human Resources, explaining the situation and asking for guidance. Nor did we expect every employee to file a declaration periodically that he/she was NOT in a conflict, real or potential. I am afraid these reminded us all too well of The Great Loyalty Oath Campaign in Heller's "Catch-22". C'est magnifique, mais c'est tres bloody silly.

The KISS principle really does work.

" Was none who would be foremost
To lead such dire attack;
But those behind cried 'Forward!'
And those before cried 'Back!'"

- Macaulay (1800-1859) "Lays of Ancient Rome: Horatius"

Harry Needham, M.A., CFE, etc.
President
Harry Needham Consulting Services Inc.
Training & consulting services for heritage institutions - and others!
74 Abbeyhill Drive
Kanata, Ontario K2L 1H1
Canada
email: [log in to unmask]
(Voice) +1.613.831-1068
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----- Original Message -----

From: [log in to unmask]>VCMHA.org - Collections

Sent: Tuesday, September 19, 2000 7:25 PM

Subject: Conflict of Interest Statements

My director would like to put together a conflict of interest statement for board members, so I am seeking the help of the list. We'd love to see samples of what other institutions use, if you don't mind sharing. If you wish to send them to me off-list, please do so. Thanks in advance for your help!

Collections Mgr/Asst Curator

Ventura County Museum of History & Art