ATTICS International Conflicts of Interest Policy

Document Number

ATTICS-POL-016

Version Number

1.0

Document Control

DC16

Effective Date

06-01-2026

Document Status

Approved

Approval Date

06-01-2026

ATTICS International Conflicts of Interest Policy

These policies are developed exclusively for ATTICS International. Any copying, sharing, or reuse without written consent is not permitted.

Purpose

ATTICS International is committed to maintaining the highest levels of integrity, impartiality, independence, and transparency in all its operations and service delivery.

The purpose of this policy is to identify, prevent, manage, and disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest that may compromise the objectivity, credibility, or impartiality of ATTICS International’s activities, decisions, or outcomes.

This policy ensures compliance with applicable international standards, including ISO 9001:2015, ISO/IEC 17024:2012, ISO/IEC 17025, and ISO 21001:2025, and reinforces stakeholder confidence in ATTICS International’s services.

Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All ATTICS International employees and management
  • Auditors, inspectors, trainers, assessors, examiners, and laboratory personnel
  • Contracted experts, consultants, technical committee members, and external collaborators
  • Certification, assessment, and examination decision-makers
  • Shareholders and governing body members
  • Any individual acting on behalf of ATTICS International

It covers all service areas, including:

  • Auditing and certification services
  • Training and educational programs
  • Personnel certification and examination services
  • Testing and laboratory services
  • Inspection and verification services
  • Calibration services
  • Consultancy and advisory engagements

Definition of Conflict of Interest

A Conflict of Interest occurs when personal, financial, professional, or organizational interests could influence, or appear to influence, an individual’s ability to act impartially in performing duties on behalf of ATTICS International.

Conflicts may be:

  • Actual – currently influencing objectivity
  • Potential – may arise in the future
  • Perceived – could appear to compromise impartiality, even if no actual bias exists

Policy Statement

ATTICS International:

  • Operates with full independence and impartiality in all decision-making processes
  • Does not allow commercial, financial, personal, or external pressures to compromise service integrity
  • Ensures that all personnel act ethically and professionally
  • Requires disclosure and management of any conflicts of interest
  • Prohibits activities that could compromise credibility or stakeholder trust

Examples of Conflicts of Interest

Conflicts of interest may include, but are not limited to:

  • Auditing, inspecting, or certifying an organization where the auditor has provided consultancy or training services that influence audit outcomes
  • Assessing or examining candidates with whom the assessor has a personal or financial relationship
  • Laboratory or inspection staff testing products from organizations in which they have ownership or employment interests
  • Decision-makers influenced by gifts, hospitality, incentives, or external pressure
  • Shareholders or partners influencing technical or certification decisions
  • Trainers involved in examination outcome decisions for their own trainees
  • Acceptance of gifts, hospitality, or entertainment exceeding PKR 25000/- value from current or prospective clients
  • Family members or close personal associates employed by or having financial interests in client organizations
  • Concurrent employment or consultancy with organizations that are direct competitors of ATTICS International
  • Participation in decision-making processes where personal financial gain could be influenced by the outcome

Responsibilities

Top Management

  • Establish and enforce this policy
  • Ensure independence of all impartiality-related decisions
  • Provide resources for conflict management mechanisms

Impartiality & Ethics Committee

  • Review disclosed conflicts
  • Decide appropriate mitigation or control actions
  • Monitor effectiveness of conflict management controls

All Personnel and Representatives

  • Declare any actual or potential conflicts immediately
  • Avoid participation in activities where conflicts exist
  • Comply fully with mitigation measures

Identification and Disclosure

All relevant personnel shall:

  • Complete a Conflict of Interest Declaration Form upon appointment and periodically thereafter
  • Immediately disclose any new or emerging conflict situations
  • Update disclosures when circumstances change
  • Failure to disclose conflicts may result in disciplinary action or termination of engagement.

Declaration Frequency and Process

All personnel shall complete a comprehensive Conflict of Interest Declaration Form upon engagement, annually thereafter, and within seven (7) days of any material change in circumstances. Declarations shall be submitted electronically through the secure company portal and acknowledged by the Impartiality & Ethics Committee.

Mitigation and Control Measures

Where a conflict is identified, ATTICS International may implement measures including:

  • Removal of the individual from the affected activity or decision
  • Appointment of an independent replacement
  • External review or oversight
  • Structural separation of related activities
  • Documented justification and monitoring
  • All mitigation actions shall be recorded.

Gifts and Hospitality Register

ATTICS International maintains a central register of all gifts, hospitality, and entertainment received or offered by personnel, with any single item exceeding PKR 25000/- value requiring pre-approval from the Impartiality & Ethics Committee.

Confidentiality

All conflict-of-interest declarations and related records shall be treated as confidential and stored securely, accessible only to authorized personnel, except where disclosure is required by law or accreditation bodies.

Monitoring and Review

ATTICS International regularly:

  • Reviews conflict-of-interest risks
  • Evaluates effectiveness of controls
  • Updates this policy as needed
  • Includes conflict management in internal audits and management reviews
  • Quarterly review of the Conflict of Interest Register by the Impartiality & Ethics Committee
  • Annual risk assessment of conflict scenarios across all service lines
  • Random audits of declared conflicts and mitigation effectiveness
  • Integration of conflict management metrics into management review meetings

Reporting Concerns

Any stakeholder may report suspected conflicts of interest through ATTICS International’s official communication channels. Reports will be handled confidentially and investigated impartially.

Whistleblower Protection


Individuals reporting suspected conflicts of interest in good faith are protected from retaliation under ATTICS International’s Whistleblower Protection Policy. Reports may be made anonymously through the dedicated ethics hotline at [phone number] or email at [ethics email address].

Compliance with International Standards

This policy supports compliance with:

  • ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management and customer confidence
  • ISO/IEC 17024:2012 – Impartiality in personnel certification
  • ISO/IEC 17025 – Independence in laboratory activities
  • ISO 21001:2025 – Ethical governance in educational services

Related Documents


This policy should be read in conjunction with:

  • ATTICS International Quality Management System Manual
  • Applicable ISO standards referenced herein

Distribution


This policy is distributed to all employees via the company intranet and is available to stakeholders upon request. All personnel are responsible for reviewing and complying with the latest version available in the document management system.

Approved By: Mr. Zaib Ali

Authorized Position: Head of Operations

Signature:

zaib signaure

Date: 06-01-2026