Policy on Independence and Integrity of Assignments

Maison Verso is a non-profit organization whose artistic and cultural mission requires full independence in the fulfillment of its missions. This charter establishes the fundamental principles guiding board members, leadership, and all staff in managing conflicts of interest, protecting institutional integrity, and maintaining stakeholder trust.

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1. Scope of Application

This charter applies to:

• Board of directors members

• Co-executive directors

• All salaried and contractual staff

• Any person acting on behalf of Maison Verso in any capacity

 

2. Definitions

Conflict of interest: A situation in which a person holds a personal interest — financial, professional, or relational — that may influence, or appear to influence, the objective and impartial exercise of their duties within Maison Verso.

Personal interest: Any direct or indirect benefit that may accrue to the person concerned, an immediate family member, or any entity with which they maintain significant ties.

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Appearance of conflict: A situation where, even in the absence of an actual conflict, a reasonable person could perceive that independence of judgment has been compromised.

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3. Fundamental Principles

Integrity
Every person covered by this charter acts in the exclusive interest of Maison Verso and its mission, not in a personal interest or for the benefit of a third party.

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Transparency
Any situation that may constitute a conflict of interest — even a potential or apparent one — is proactively disclosed, without waiting for the situation to become problematic.

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Independence of Judgment
Decisions made on behalf of Maison Verso — whether artistic, contractual, financial, or strategic — are grounded in objective and measurable criteria, free from any undue pressure or outside influence.

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Loyalty
Loyalty to Maison Verso takes precedence over any other professional or personal interest in the fulfillment of institutional missions.

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4. Disclosure Obligations

Initial Declaration
Any person newly appointed to the board of directors or a leadership position is required to complete a declaration of interests within 30 days of taking office. This declaration is updated annually and at any time a change in circumstances occurs.

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Ad Hoc Declaration
Before each board of directors meeting or any significant decision, each board member must declare any interest that may affect their objectivity regarding items on the agenda.

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Conflict Register
Maison Verso maintains a register of conflict of interest declarations, kept confidentially by the co-directors or board secretary.

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5. Managing Conflict Situations

When a person finds themselves in a situation of real, potential, or apparent conflict of interest, they must:

1. Immediately disclose the situation to the board chair or co-directors.

2. Refrain from participating in discussions and any decision-making related to the conflict.

3. Step out of the meeting or working session during deliberations, if required.

4. Not attempt to influence the decision-making process, directly or indirectly.

 

The situation is documented in the minutes or internal register, as appropriate.

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6. Specific Situations

Contractual Relationships
No board or leadership member may enter into a personal contract with Maison Verso without prior approval from the relevant body, following disclosure and withdrawal from the discussion.

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Outside Employment and Concurrent Roles
Holding remunerated positions outside Maison Verso is permitted, provided these positions do not create a conflict of interest and do not affect the quality of work performed for the organization. Any significant concurrent position must be disclosed to the co-directors.

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Intellectual and Artistic Property
Any creation, tool, program, or content developed within the scope of a mission at Maison Verso is the property of the organization, unless otherwise agreed in writing. Copyright and related rights are addressed through specific clauses in employment and service contracts.

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Post-Assignment Confidentiality
Obligations of confidentiality and loyalty toward Maison Verso continue after the end of an assignment or employment, in accordance with applicable contractual and legal provisions.

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7. Gifts, Benefits, and Hospitality

Staff and board members may not accept gifts, benefits, or hospitality from suppliers, partners, or any person with an interest in Maison Verso's decisions, where their value or frequency could influence — or appear to influence — professional judgment.

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Invitations to artistic or cultural events in the context of professional activities are accepted when they are closely tied to the organization's mission and disclosed to the co-directors.

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8. Reporting and Handling of Breaches

Any person aware of an actual or alleged breach of this charter is encouraged to report it in good faith to the board chair or co-directors.

Reports are handled with diligence, in confidence, and without prejudice to the person who reported in good faith. Corrective measures, up to and including removal from office or termination of contract, may be applied based on the severity of the situation.

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9. Review

This charter is reviewed every two years by the board of directors, or more frequently if circumstances require. Any amendment is communicated to all persons covered and requires their acknowledgment of receipt.

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Integrity is not decreed — it is practiced. Maison Verso makes this charter a living commitment, grounded in mutual trust and respect for its artistic mission.