Line Manager Guidance

Conflict of Interest - Line manager guidance

The university has an annual process and line managers must make sure that their staff on grade 6 and above have either confirmed they have no Conflicts or declared them and agreed with their manager how they will manage them effectively.

This concise guide outlines the University’s expectations and provides advice on how to respond effectively when a Conflict of Interest (COI) is reported to you. 

As a manager, you are often the first point of contact for team members to disclose a potential conflict. You might also receive disclosures from external partners, contractors, students, or members of the public. 

Some COI issues may be straightforward and resolved quickly, while others may be more complex, requiring more of your time and effort to address properly. 

This guide will help you navigate through these situations. For comprehensive details, please refer to the University's Conflicts of Interest Policy.

A Conflict of Interest occurs when an individual's personal interests – financial or otherwise – could potentially interfere with their professional obligations or the University's best interests. This includes situations where there's a risk of perceived conflict, even if no actual conflict exists. 

It's vital for the University to manage these conflicts effectively, ensuring decisions are made in the best interest of the institution and its members, maintaining integrity and public trust.

The University operates within a framework of ethical standards and public accountability. Effective Conflict of Interest (COI) management is essential as it:

  • Protects the integrity of decision-making processes.
  • Maintains public confidence in the University's operations.
  • Ensures compliance with legal and ethical standards.
  • Fosters a culture of transparency and accountability.
  • Helps protect the individuals involved from legal or reputational difficulties.

Addressing conflicts of interest promptly and effectively safeguards the University's reputation and upholds our commitment to ethical practices.

When a Conflict of Interest is disclosed to you, it's important to handle it with sensitivity and impartiality: 

  1. Assess the Conflict: Determine the nature and severity of the conflict reported by the staff member.
  2. Document the Conflict: Record details of the conflict and any proposed management approaches in writing.
  3. Support the Staff Member: Assist the staff member in managing the conflict, particularly if it is major, by developing a management plan.
  4. Maintain Confidentiality: Ensure that all discussions and information regarding the conflict are kept confidential, respecting the privacy of the staff member.
  5. Ensure Compliance: Ensure that the staff member follows the Conflicts of Interest Policy by promptly declaring and managing conflicts.
  6. Monitor Compliance: Regularly monitor Policy compliance within your team and address any instances of non-compliance promptly.
Conflict of Interest Main Page Conflict of Interest Policy