​

Conflict of Interest Policy Summary

Core Values Expected

All individuals working on behalf of the school must conduct themselves with:

• Integrity

• Selflessness

• Accountability

• Honesty

• Objectivity

• Impartiality

• Leadership

Purpose of the Policy

To guide staff and related individuals on how to manage actual or potential conflicts of interest in the context of:

• Teaching

• Support roles

• Invigilation

• Exam/assessment administration

What Is a Conflict of Interest?

A conflict of interest occurs when personal interests or loyalties could interfere with professional duties.
Examples include:

• Assessing the work of family, relatives, or close friends

• Having personal interests that clash with professional roles

Why It Matters

Breaching the policy can result in:

1. Violation of employment terms

2. Breach of Teacher/Professional Standards

3. Gross misconduct

4. Damage to the school’s integrity or public confidence

Key Principles

• Always disclose any activity that might present a conflict of interest.

• Disclosures must be made immediately upon discovery, before the activity takes place.

• Use a conflict of interest declaration form, signed by both the staff member and the Deputy Director.

• Documents are retained by the Head of Centre (Mr John O’Brien).

Who Must Comply

• All staff: full-time, part-time, prorated, support

• External examiners and associate staff

• Anyone involved in:

  • Setting, marking, administering, invigilating

  • Internally verifying

  • Developing or using assessments

  • Using exam-related materials in learning/teaching

Roles and Responsibilities

• All staff must be aware of potential conflicts and act responsibly.

• New staff receive this policy at induction.

• Staff are reviewed annually for conflicts.

• Day-to-day concerns go to: Management Team → Director/Head of Centre → Deputy Director.

• Staff have the right to report urgent concerns confidentially to the Head of Centre.

Examples of Conflict of Interest

• Using secure assessment content in teaching.

• Using live exam materials for lessons (only past papers can be used).

• Invigilating or assessing a student who is a relative or close friend.

Unacceptable Practices

• Failing to report a potential conflict

• Using confidential assessment materials in lessons

• Ignoring security and confidentiality protocols

 

 

Conflict of Interest Declaration Form

Confidential

1. Personal Information

• Full Name: _________________________________________

• Job Title/Position: _________________________________

• Department/Division: _______________________________

• Date: _______________________________________________

2. Declaration of Potential or Actual Conflicts of Interest

Please indicate whether you have any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest to declare.

☐ No — I have no conflicts of interest to declare.
☐ Yes — I am declaring the following conflicts of interest:

Description of Conflict(s):

Provide full details, including the nature of the conflict, the individuals or organizations involved, and how the conflict might affect your duties.

Relationship to the Conflict:

(Examples: Personal, Financial, Family, Outside Employment, Board Memberships)

Duration of the Conflict:

From: ____________________ To: ____________________
☐ Ongoing

3. Mitigation Measures (if applicable)

Outline any steps taken or proposed to manage or avoid the conflict.

4. Declaration

I declare that the information provided above is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that failure to disclose a conflict of interest may result in disciplinary action.

Signature: __________________________________
Date: ______________________________________

5. Manager/Supervisor/Compliance Officer Review

Reviewed by: __________________________________
Position: _____________________________________
Date: ________________________________________

Comments or Action Taken:

Signature: _______________________________

​

​

​