Conflict of Interest

The University's Conflict of Interest Policy is designed to help employees and others who perform a role for the University, to identify, disclose and manage conflicts of interest that arise in their dealings with the University. By understanding and following this policy, we all contribute to a fair, ethical, and trustworthy academic and work environment.

Disclosure and management of conflicts of interest

Conflicts of interest occur when someone’s personal interests have the potential to influence their professional decisions.

The existence of a conflict of interest does not imply wrongdoing but it does require careful management to promote accountability and public confidence in the integrity of the University’s operations. The University supports a culture in which conflicts of interest are identified, disclosed and managed in a transparent and timely manner.

Conflicts of interest can be actual, potential or perceived.

  • Actual conflict of interest means a direct conflict between current duties, responsibilities or activities and existing private interest.
  • Potential conflict of interest arises when private interests may conflict with duties in the future.
  • Perceived conflict of interest may exist where it appears that a private interest could improperly influence the performance of duties, responsibilities or activities, whether or not this is the case.

Contexts in which a conflict of interest may arise

Examples of the circumstances in which a conflict of interest may arise in different contexts are included in the Procedure: Conflict of Interest. Common contexts in which a conflict of interest may arise include the following:

  • Procurement of goods and services
  • Research
  • Academic and administrative processes
  • Outside work and commercial activities
  • Closer personal relationships with staff and students
  • Foreign influence
  • Receipt of gifts and benefits

Receipt of gifts and benefits

Employees have responsibilities relating to receiving (or refusing) gifts and benefits in the course of their work with the University, as set out in Section 5 of the Procedure: Conflict of Interest.

You must refuse gifts of cash (or any gift that can be readily converted to cash) or when it could be perceived that it was provided to influence your decision-making. If the gift or benefit is less than $100 in value, you are required to declare receipt of the gift to your supervisor. All gifts with a value in excess of $100 must be declared no later than 5 days after receipt of the gift (or no later than 14 days after returning to Australia for gifts received overseas).

If you have received a gift or benefit, complete a Notification of a Gift or Benefit Form.

Who needs to declare?

All employees, affiliates, contractors, education agents and other who perform a role, including people involved in volunteering roles at the University, are required to declare conflicts of interest.

Disclosures about actual, perceived or potential conflict of interest must be made in accordance with the Procedure: Conflict of Interest.

All disclosures are managed in accordance with the University’s Privacy Policy.

If you are facing an actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest, complete a Conflict of Interest Declaration Form.

Contact us

For help identifying or managing a conflict of interest, please first contact your supervisor. You can also contact another senior officer within your work area. If you are still unsure, it is safest to complete a declaration.

If you require help, you or your supervisor can email undasecretariat@nd.edu.au.