conflict of interest training for employees

Conflict of interest training for employees tends to use examples drawn from board and executive life, which is why most staff conclude it does not apply to them.

The conflicts they actually encounter are smaller and more common. A relative or partner applying for a role in their team. A friend’s business tendering for work they have a say in. Secondary employment with a competitor or a supplier. Accepting hospitality from a vendor during a live procurement. Supervising somebody they are in a relationship with.

None of those is misconduct. Each becomes a problem only when it is not disclosed.

Which is the message worth landing. Disclosure is the obligation, not avoidance, and a declared conflict can be managed while an undeclared one cannot.

The Fair Work Ombudsman covers conduct obligations. This is general information rather than legal advice, and obligations vary by state and territory.

See Sentrient’s conflicts of interest training and code of conduct training.