Conflicts of interest
Recognise, disclose and manage interests that could compromise impartial judgement.
Covered in this guide
- Identify actual, potential and perceived conflicts.
- Disclose before participating in the decision.
- Choose proportionate recusal or independent review.
A conflict does not require proven misconduct. It exists when another interest could reasonably affect—or appear to affect—an entrusted decision.
Name the competing interest before the decision
A conflict does not require proven misconduct. It exists when another interest could reasonably affect—or appear to affect—an entrusted decision.
A recommendation that favoured a friend
A reviewer is assigned to score a grant application from an organisation where a close family member works.
Try this
Explain the appropriate response.
Review answer guidance
Disclose the relationship immediately, do not access or discuss material beyond what is needed to transfer the case, and allow the accountable body to appoint an independent reviewer and record the recusal.
What the assessment expects you to disclose
Say who benefits, who is affected, and whether you should recuse, disclose, or proceed with a safeguard. Hidden loyalty is the failure mode.