We all have private interests. Below are some examples.
For ease of reading, we’ve grouped them under 4 loose headings.
But in practice, they often overlap.
Like all private interests, they only need to be declared if:
- they are a conflict of interest (they could influence, or reasonably be seen to influence, how you perform your work duties), or
- your organisation’s policy specifically requires you to do so for any other reason.
Relationships
Personal relationships are private interests, for example:
- family, friend, household member
- professional, business
- rival, enemy.
Personal relationships that link to your organisation
Personal relationships can sometimes link to your organisation.
Examples:
- a family member who also works in your organisation
- a family member who applies for a tender with your organisation
- an enemy who may be affected by a decision of your organisation.
If a personal relationship (or other private interest) links to your organisation, there may be a higher risk of conflict of interest – particularly if it intersects with your work duties. For details see examples of conflicts of interest.
A consensual personal relationship is a private interest.
It’s a sexual, intimate and/or romantic relationship between consenting adults of any sex or gender identity who are employees of your organisation.
The relationship:
- may be on a casual, periodic or regular basis
- may or may not constitute a primary relationship
- also includes having a spouse or de facto partner who works in your organisation.
If this situation applies to you, see our guidance on consensual personal relationships. As part of its policy, your organisation may instruct you to follow this guidance.
A declarable association is a private interest.
It is a current or recent association with a person, group or organisation that you are aware or should reasonably suspect of being engaged in serious unlawful activity, now or in the past. It is a declarable if a conflict of interest exists (actual, potential or perceived).
If this situation applies to you, see our guidance on declarable associations. As part of its policy, your organisation may instruct you to follow this guidance.
Activities
Private interests include activities you participate in, support or are otherwise have an interest in, such as hobbies, cultural, sporting, community, social or other activities.
For example, you have a private interest in a sporting club if:
- you’re an avid fan
- your children play for one of its teams, and/or
- you volunteer at the club.
Duties and influences
A duty to another organisation or group in the public or private sector is a private interest. For example, a role held with that organisation such as being a committee member.
We offer general guidance on duties, loyalties and biases.
Loyalties and biases are a private interest.
Here are some examples.
Previous employer
An ongoing loyalty to or bias against a previous employer is a private interest.
Volunteer
Loyalty to an organisation where you volunteer is a private interest.
Former registered lobbyists and government affairs directors
Being a former registered lobbyist or government affairs director is a private interest. If this situation applies to you, see our guidance. As part of its policy, your organisation may instruct you to follow this guidance.
We offer general guidance on duties, loyalties and biases.
Your affiliations are a private interest.
Like all members of the community, you are entitled to have these private interests.
In and of themselves, they are not a conflict of interest.
They will only become a conflict of interest if it is reasonable for people to believe that your private interest could influence how you perform your public duties.
For example, if it is reasonable for people to believe that you may not perform your job in an impartial and apolitical manner.
Here are some examples of these affiliations.
Political affiliations
Being an official office bearer in a political party or standing for an election to state or local government.
Sporting club affiliations
Being an official or president.
We offer general guidance on duties, loyalties and biases.
Financial and outside employment
A financial interest is a private interest. This includes existing, potential or future:
- financial holdings and investments
- financial gain
- financial loss.
For example, ownership of real estate or shares is a private interest, including the potential for financial loss or gain relating to those investments.
Outside employment is a private interest.
Before engaging in other paid employment or any business, trade or profession, ensure you comply with your organisation’s Outside Employment policy.
Check with your manager whether approval is required.
If you intend to undertake unpaid or voluntary work, check whether it will give rise to a conflict of interest. If so, it must be declared. If unsure, discuss with your manager.
Reviewed 7 January 2025
Published 31 May 2024