Conflict of interest guidance for organisations

If not managed appropriately, conflict of interest can undermine confidence in the public sector and damage the reputations of organisations and individuals.

There is nothing unusual or necessarily wrong in having a conflict of interest. It is crucial, however, that conflict of interest is managed to protect the public interest. This page provides organisations with guidance and tools to manage conflict of interest risks, including a model policy and declaration form templates.

Model conflict of interest policy and declaration form templates

The Victorian Secretaries Board endorsed a model conflict of interest policy and supporting materials to assist the public sector to manage conflict of interest risks.

Adopting and implementing the model policy and declaration form templates is consistent with requirements under the codes of conduct for Victorian public sector employees and employees of special bodies. The codes of conduct require public sector body heads to develop and implement policies and procedures tailored to their own operating environment to support the application of the code, including the effective management of conflict of interest.

Consensual personal relationships

The model policy includes high level processes for the management of consensual personal relationships in the workplace, and is accompanied by a practice guide to support its implementation.

Implementing the model conflict of interest policy

The model policy sets expected standards for managing conflict of interest within public sector organisations. Public sector body heads should build upon the model policy to reflect risks associated with their organisations’ functions and activities, and implement the policy within their organisation.

• Assessing your organisation’s conflict of interest risk
• Implementing and evaluating your conflict of interest policy and processes

Guidance material

The model policy is based on three core principles for the management of conflict of interest:

• Acting in the public interest
• Being accountable for your actions and decisions
• Taking a risk-based approach

The Guide to applying the conflict of interest policy principles will assist organisations and employees to apply these principles in practice.