Conflicts of interest at UTS

You are required to disclose any actual, perceived and potential conflicts of interest. 

Conflicts of interest can occur from time to time during the course of your normal university work, studies or duties. While the presence of a conflict of interest does not constitute corrupt or improper conduct, a conflict may become an issue if it is not disclosed and managed appropriately. For this reason, all actual, perceived and potential conflicts must be disclosed. 

What is a conflict of interest?

The Conflicts of Interest Disclosure Policy (the policy) defines a conflict of interest as a conflict between the personal or professional interests of an individual and their work, duties, activities, responsibilities or functions at UTS. 

Such conflicts can:

• be actual, perceived or potential 
• directly or indirectly compromise the performance of your work, duties, responsibilities or functions 
• directly or indirectly influence decision-making.

Why is managing conflicts of interest important?

UTS manages conflicts of interest to ensure the integrity and accountability of its people, processes and operations. All conflicts of interest will be managed in line with the policy.

It is important that you identify and disclose a conflict of interest as soon as it arises. This enables UTS to: 

• address and avoid any issues of potential bias before it becomes a problem
• protect your reputation and the reputation of the university and its systems and processes
• record, resolve and manage the conflict.

How do I know it is a conflict?

It is not always clear when a conflict of interest exists. You must come forward with anything that you think is a conflict. When in doubt, disclose.

The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has resources, guidance and information on conflicts of interest. Examples of conflicts are also provided in the policy. 

I think I have a conflict of interest. What do I do?

All staff, graduate research students and affiliates must declare any actual, perceived or potential conflicts of interest in line with the policy. 

You must disclose your conflict as soon as possible using the declaration of interest form (SharePoint). You must also speak to your supervisor or contact the People Unit (email DeclarationsOfInterest@uts.edu.au).

When you complete the form you and your supervisor will:

• assess the risk of the disclosed conflict
• consider and agree how to manage the conflict, and 
• develop a management plan. 

All forms must be submitted to the People Unit for inclusion on a central register. You should advise the People Unit if the nature of a conflict changes or if the conflict no longer exists. 

Depending on the nature of the conflict you may need to make additional declarations (for example, for outside work or to declare a gift or benefit). These additional processes are listed in the the policy.

Your management plan must be implemented, maintained and reviewed to ensure it continues to manage the interest. 

You and your supervisor must check in at least once a year on the plan’s progress. 

Is foreign interference a conflict of interest?

Under the Guidelines to counter foreign interference in the Australian university sector, university staff who may be at risk of foreign interference must declare any interests, including identification of foreign affiliations, relationships and financial interests. 

The appendix to the guidelines provides a list of questions that are used to assess who may be at risk of foreign influence or interference.

Visit International Collaboration and Engagement Portal: Foreign interference (SharePoint) for more information and guidance.