Nepo Watch: Mapping Family Ties in Public Appointments (Starter Toolkit)
What is nepotism and why track it?
Nepotism happens when positions or benefits go to relatives or close associates regardless of merit, undermining fairness and trust.
Build a safe, factual map
- Collect public sources: Official gazettes, press releases, asset declarations, and credible news.
- Note relationships: Parent/child, spouse, siblings, in-laws, business partners.
- Record roles + dates: Who held what post, who appointed them, and when.
- Visualize: Use a simple spreadsheet or a network tool (e.g., draw.io / Kumu) to show links.
- Flag conflicts: Overlaps between regulator and regulated, procurement roles with family vendors, etc.
- Verify twice: Only include relationships with clear, published evidence.
Template (copy/paste to spreadsheet)
Person Relation Related To Position Office/Agency Start-End Source link Notes
Sharing responsibly
- Stick to verifiable facts and link to sources.
- Avoid personal attacks; focus on systems and rules.
- Blur private info not relevant to public interest.
Push for better rules
- Stronger conflict-of-interest disclosures
- Open appointment criteria and shortlists
- Cooling-off periods before regulators join regulated entities
Send anonymized tips via the BCANP form; our team reviews for verification and safety.
