Conflict of Interest Policy
Last updated: 6 February 2026
Bentley Legal Support Services (“Bentley”, “we”, “us” or “our”) is committed to handling every instruction professionally, independently and with appropriate discretion.
This Conflict of Interest Policy sets out how we identify, assess and manage situations where an existing or potential conflict may affect our ability to carry out an assignment appropriately.
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to help ensure that Bentley does not accept or continue an instruction where an actual, potential or perceived conflict could compromise professional judgement, confidentiality or the proper handling of the assignment.
2. What Is a Conflict of Interest?
A conflict may arise where Bentley’s interests, an existing client’s interests, another client’s interests or information obtained through previous work could materially affect an assignment.
A conflict may also arise where two parties with competing interests seek services from Bentley in relation to the same or a connected matter.
3. When We Check for Conflicts
We aim to consider potential conflicts:
- Before accepting a new instruction
- When the scope of an existing assignment materially changes
- When new information becomes available
- When a new party becomes involved in a connected matter
4. Information Considered
Depending on the assignment, conflict checks may consider:
- Client names
- Company names
- Names of relevant individuals
- Connected businesses or organisations
- Existing or previous assignments
- The nature of the matter
- Relevant addresses or locations
5. Existing Clients
Where a new instruction involves a person or organisation connected with an existing client or matter, Bentley will consider whether accepting the new instruction could create a conflict.
Confidential information obtained through another client’s assignment will not be used for an unrelated purpose.
6. Opposing or Connected Parties
Particular care will be taken where Bentley is asked to provide services involving parties whose interests may conflict with those of an existing or former client.
Where appropriate, the instruction may be declined.
7. Previous Assignments
Information obtained through a previous assignment may remain confidential even after that assignment has ended.
A previous relationship with an individual, company or organisation will be considered when assessing whether a new instruction can appropriately be accepted.
8. Confidential Information
A conflict is not limited to whether Bentley has acted for both sides.
If confidential information obtained through an earlier assignment could materially affect a proposed new assignment, that issue will be considered before the instruction is accepted.
9. Personal Relationships
Where a person involved in an assignment has a close personal relationship with a member of the Bentley team that could affect, or reasonably appear to affect, impartiality, the matter will be reviewed.
10. Financial or Commercial Interests
Any significant financial, commercial or other personal interest that could reasonably affect an assignment should be disclosed internally and considered as part of the conflict assessment.
11. Conflicts Discovered After Acceptance
A conflict is not always apparent at the start of an assignment.
If a potential conflict becomes known after work has begun, Bentley will assess the circumstances promptly and determine whether the assignment can appropriately continue.
Where necessary, work may be paused or discontinued.
12. Declining an Instruction
Bentley may decline an instruction where:
- An actual conflict exists
- A potential conflict cannot reasonably be managed
- Confidentiality could be compromised
- Continuing would create an inappropriate professional risk
- The instruction would place Bentley in an unsuitable or compromised position
13. Continuing an Assignment
Where a conflict can appropriately be managed, Bentley may continue the assignment subject to suitable safeguards.
These safeguards may include restricting access to information, separating personnel or systems, limiting involvement in connected matters or other appropriate controls.
14. Confidentiality Barriers
Where appropriate, access to information may be limited to those who require it for the relevant assignment.
Information relating to one client or matter should not be unnecessarily accessible to people working on another matter.
15. Multiple Instructions
Where Bentley receives instructions concerning parties with potentially competing interests, each instruction will be considered independently.
Accepting one instruction does not automatically mean that another related instruction can also be accepted.
16. Tracing and Verification Assignments
Additional care may be required for tracing, address verification and related assignments because information obtained during one matter could be relevant to another.
Information will be used only for the lawful purpose for which it has been obtained or otherwise where a lawful basis exists.
17. Property and Occupancy Assignments
Where Bentley is asked to inspect or verify premises connected with multiple parties, the circumstances will be considered carefully before accepting the assignment.
18. Legal and Professional Advice
Bentley provides process serving and related field services and does not provide legal advice concerning conflicts arising within a client’s legal matter.
Where a conflict issue relates to legal strategy, professional conduct rules or the client’s own regulatory obligations, the client should obtain appropriate independent advice.
19. Records of Conflicts
Where appropriate, Bentley may keep a record of conflict checks, decisions and safeguards applied.
Conflict records will be handled confidentially.
20. Client Information
Clients should provide relevant information that may help Bentley identify a potential conflict, particularly where parties have previously instructed Bentley or where the matter is connected with earlier work.
21. No Guarantee of Acceptance
Completion of a conflict check does not guarantee that an instruction will be accepted.
Other issues, including availability, scope, safety, legality and suitability, may also affect whether Bentley accepts an assignment.
22. Professional Independence
Bentley aims to ensure that decisions concerning an assignment are made professionally and without inappropriate influence from personal, financial or commercial interests.
23. Confidentiality After Completion
Confidentiality obligations continue after an assignment has ended.
Information obtained through a previous assignment will continue to be handled in accordance with applicable contractual, legal and data-protection requirements.
24. Related Policies
This policy should be read together with Bentley’s:
Privacy Policy | Client Terms of Business | Service Standards | Information Security Policy
25. Contact Us
If you have a question concerning a potential conflict of interest, please contact:
Bentley Legal Support Services
Email: enquiries@bentleylegal.co.uk
Telephone: +44-7890-197837
Website: www.bentleylegal.co.uk
26. Review of this Policy
This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated where necessary to reflect changes in Bentley’s services, clients, personnel, systems or applicable requirements.
This Conflict of Interest Policy provides an operational framework for Bentley Legal Support Services and should be reviewed against the company’s actual conflict-checking process and professional obligations before formal adoption.