Annual declaration of private interests (DOPI)

Annual declaration of private interests (DOPI)

Additional requirements apply to some employees.

Employees in certain roles must complete an annual declaration of private interests form, commonly known as a DOPI.

This means they must list certain private interests on a DOPI form, such as real estate.

If a private interest listed on a DOPI raises a conflict of interest, the usual conflict of interest declaration and management plan process then occurs (unless your organisation has decided upon a different process).

Model form

We offer a model DOPI form, which many organisations use or adapt. If you are completing a DOPI, use your organisation’s own form.

Who must complete a DOPI

Usually, employees in the following roles must complete a DOPI:

• executive officers, including acting executive officers receiving higher duties
• employees with a financial delegation of $20,000 or more (your organisation may nominate a different figure)
• employees directed to do so by their manager – for example, if there is a high risk of conflict of interest inherent in a work duty or private interest the employee has
• employees in any other role designated by your organisation as needing a DOPI. Any such roles will usually be listed in or linked to from your organisation’s policy.

Annual and other DOPIs

Employees in the above roles must complete a DOPI:

• upon appointment to their position
• annually after appointment
• if their interests that must be listed on the form change, within the time limit set by your organisation. For example, 5 working days.

Process if a DOPI contains a conflict

If a conflict of interest is identified in a DOPI by an employee or their manager then (unless your organisation’s policy states otherwise):

• the manager notes this on the DOPI
• the employee and manager complete the usual conflict of interest – declaration and management plan form
• the approved plan is implemented to manage the conflict.

Variations to this process

The above process helps to ensure all management plans in an organisation are developed and recorded in a consistent manner.

But your organisation can choose to use another process.

For example, some organisations, such as those with a separate DOPI policy, might record the plan for a conflict identified in a DOPI on the DOPI form itself.

DOPI is an additional requirement

The requirement for certain employees to complete a DOPI is an additional requirement to the other requirements in your organisation’s policy.

Example

An executive officer completes their annual DOPI. A couple of months later they are appointed to a recruitment panel.

As a separate requirement, their organisation requires them to complete a conflict of interest – declaration and management plan form for the task of being on the recruitment panel.