Responsibility
The University has a responsibility to ensure that its official activities and those of its staff conform to acceptable standards of integrity and good conduct. It recognises that a well-established system for identifying, disclosing and managing conflicts of interest increases its public accountability and reduces the risk of corruption, misconduct and bias in its operations and decision-making processes. The University also recognises that conflicts of interest are not unusual in the exercise of public responsibility, and cannot always be avoided.
Expectations
The University expects that:
- all staff members to act with honesty and integrity
- staff will not allow their external, personal or financial interests or their duties to any external entity to compromise their duties, obligations and responsibilities to the University
- all conflicts of interest, regardless of their character or level, will be identified, disclosed and managed
- any gifts, benefits, sponsorship, hospitality or service will not be accepted by staff if the intention is to influence current or future behaviour or an individual school or office within the University. (See also Gifts and Benefits Policy). The preservation of academic and professional independence is paramount and should be made clear to potential sponsors.
- where a conflict of interest occurs, the interests of the University will be balanced against the interests of the staff member. Unless exceptional circumstances exist, the balance of interests will be resolved in the University’s favour.
- Heads of Element, when notified of a conflict of interest, will deal promptly as per the Conflict of Interest Policy and put in place arrangements that protect the integrity of the University’s processes and decision-making
Disclosures about actual, perceived or potential conflicts of interest must be made via the University's Declaration of Interest system.
Information arising from conflict of interest disclosures will be managed in accordance with the Griffith University Privacy Statement.
Information held may be used for University purposes including audit, reporting, compliance monitoring and other purposes required by government or legislation.
Disclosures
Disclosures about actual, perceived or potential conflicts of interest must be made via the University's Declaration of Interest system.
Information arising from conflict of interest disclosures will be managed in accordance with the Griffith University Privacy Statement.
Information held may be used for University purposes including audit, reporting, compliance monitoring and other purposes required by government or legislation.
REQUIRE MORE INFORMATION ?
Initial enquiries about Conflicts of Interest may be directed to the Integrity Manager.