Conflict of Interest Declaration FAQs

A conflict of interest occurs when personal interests, relationships, or obligations could improperly influence—or be perceived to influence—your professional responsibilities at ACU.

Conflicts can be:

• Actual – A direct conflict exists now.
• Potential – A situation could develop into a conflict in the future.
• Perceived – Others might reasonably believe your judgment is or could be compromised.

Examples include:

• Financial interests in organisations outside of ACU
• Other employment or board memberships
• Foreign affiliations or obligations (including foreign interference risks)

All prospective staff must complete a declaration as part of ACU’s pre-employment checks.

You should disclose any interests that could influence your role at ACU, including (but not limited to):

• Financial interests or investments – e.g., ownership in organisations that supply goods or services to ACU
• Personal relationships – e.g., family members, intimate relationships or close friends involved in ACU recruitment, procurement, or decision-making
• External roles – e.g., paid or unpaid positions, consulting work, or board memberships that may affect ACU decisions
• Academic or research affiliations – e.g., partnerships or funding arrangements that could influence or perceivably bias research outcomes
• Foreign affiliations or obligations – e.g., relationships with overseas entities that may pose foreign interference risks

Yes. In addition to standard pre-employment such as references and identify verification checks, ACU will also conduct foreign interference and sanctions check as part of the process.

Complete the Conflict of Interest Declaration Form provided during pre-employment checks and email it to: preemploymentchecks@acu.edu.au.

If you declare something:
Your declaration will be reviewed by the relevant supervisor of the position. If a risk is identified:

• The supervisor will consult with their Executive member and seek advice under ACU’s Declaration of Interest – Staff and Affiliates Procedure.
• Next steps will be discussed with you, which may include:
• Developing a management plan that protects both you and ACU
• In some cases, a request for you to relinquish the conflict if you wish to accept an offer of employment from ACU

If there are no conflicts to declare:
Your form will be recorded as “no interests declared.” You must update your declaration if circumstances change at any time during your employment.

Refusal to complete a declaration: Your offer cannot proceed.

• Failure to disclose a reportable matter at hiring stage: May result in disciplinary action under ACU’s Code of Conduct.

No. Most declarations are managed through a structured plan. ACU values effective governance, which is enabled by transparency, and aims to reconcile conflicts wherever possible.

Yes. Your information is handled in accordance with ACU’s Privacy Policy and stored securely. Access is limited to authorised staff set out in the Declaration of Interest Procedure.

If you have questions or need support, contact preemploymentchecks@acu.edu.au.