Conflicts of Interest Policy

1. The purpose of our policy

This policy sets out the principles for identifying, disclosing and managing conflicts of interest at Adelaide University. It also outlines how gifts, benefits and hospitality are managed as potential conflicts of interest.

The policy establishes governance-level responsibilities to ensure that conflicts of interest are identified, disclosed and appropriately managed to protect Adelaide University’s integrity, decision-making, reputation and relationships.

This policy provides authority to maintain the Conflicts of Interest Procedure.

2. Who our policy applies to

This policy applies to the following members of the Adelaide University community:

• members of Council and its committees
• employees (academic, professional, fixed-term, casual, sessional and titleholders)
• volunteers, adjuncts, conjoint, honorary and visiting academics
• contractors, consultants and agency staff engaged by or representing Adelaide University
• graduate research students
• coursework students engaged in research activities
• students appointed as Senior Residents
• directors, officeholders and staff of controlled entities, and
• any other person appointed or engaged under an agreement to perform work for, or on behalf of, Adelaide University.

All individuals covered by this policy are collectively referred to as University personnel.

3. Our conflicts of interest principles

3.1 We act with integrity and impartiality

Our decisions are free from personal interests or obligations that could improperly influence, or be perceived to influence, our judgement. We safeguard trust in Adelaide University by being open and honest in all that we do.

3.2 We protect the reputation and best interests of Adelaide University

Conflicts of interest and conflicts of duty are managed in ways that preserve Adelaide University’s independence, accountability and standing as a trusted higher education and research institution.

3.3 We are accountable for recognising and declaring conflicts of interests and conflicts of duty

University personnel are responsible for being alert to actual, potential and perceived conflicts of interest and conflicts of duty and ensuring they are disclosed promptly.

3.4 We foster a culture of disclosure

We recognise that conflicts of interest and conflicts of duty can arise in a complex university environment. By encouraging early and open disclosure, we ensure conflicts are addressed transparently without unduly limiting the ability of University personnel to carry out their roles.

3.5 We take active steps to manage conflicts of interest and conflicts of duty

Conflicts of interest and conflicts of duty are addressed consistently and proportionately so they do not compromise Adelaide University’s operations, relationships or decision-making.

3.6 We manage gifts, benefits and hospitality with transparency and care

Gifts, benefits and hospitality offered to, or received by, University personnel are managed as potential conflicts of interest. We ensure that acceptance or provision of such offers does not improperly influence, or appear to influence, our decisions, actions or relationships. Gifts, benefits and hospitality must never be solicited.

3.7 We comply with our obligations and community expectations

Our approach to identifying, disclosing and managing conflicts of interest and conflicts of duty reflects applicable laws, regulatory requirements, funding agreements, and ethical standards, and meets the expectations of our students, partners, funders, and the broader community. 

3.8 We uphold integrity in partnerships and collaborations

Our relationships with industry, government, research partners and controlled entities are founded on openness and trust, with conflicts of interest and conflicts of duty disclosed and managed to protect Adelaide University’s independence and credibility. We identify, disclose, and manage institutional-level interests that may reasonably be perceived to affect research integrity, in accordance with applicable standards such as the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research.

3.9 We support awareness and capability

We build understanding of conflicts of interest and conflicts of duty through education and guidance, equipping University personnel to identify, disclose and manage conflicts confidently and consistently.

3.10 We uphold accountability through compliance

Non-compliance with this policy may result in removal from an office held on Council or its committees, disciplinary action under the [Staff Misconduct Procedure], or termination of a relationship with Adelaide University.

4. Definitions used in our policy

Please refer to our Adelaide University glossary for a full list of our definitions.

Adelaide University community means a broad range of stakeholders who engage with Adelaide University and includes (but is not limited to) all students, staff, and non-staff members of Adelaide University including alumni, honorary titleholders, adjuncts, visiting academics, guest lecturers, volunteers, suppliers and partners who are engaging with and contributing to the work of Adelaide University.

Conflicts of duty means a conflict between an individual’s Adelaide University duties and the individual’s duty to another organisation or group.

Conflicts of interest means an individual has a private interest that could influence, or could reasonably be seen to influence, how the individual performs their Adelaide University duties. A conflict can be:

• actual – there is a conflict between the individual’s private interests and their Adelaide University duties
• potential – an individual has a private interest that could foreseeably conflict with their Adelaide University duties in the future
• perceived – it is reasonable for people to believe that an individual’s private interests could influence their Adelaide University duties, now or in the future.

Controlled entity means a person, group of persons or body corporate over which Adelaide University has control.

Graduate research student means student enrolled in a graduate research program, such as the Master of Research, Master of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy. It does not include coursework programs with a research component, such as Honours.

Institutional-level interest means a financial or non-financial interest held by Adelaide University that could influence, or reasonably be perceived to influence, the design, review, conduct, or dissemination of research.

Private interest means a financial or non-financial interest, whether direct or indirect.  It can be direct where it relates to the individual’s own interests, or it can be indirect where it relates to the interests of another person or group that is or has recently been closely associated with the individual or the individual has an ongoing interest in.

Titleholder means any person upon whom Adelaide University has conferred an honorary academic title.

5. How our policy is governed

This policy is categorised, approved and owned in line with the governance structure of Adelaide University and the offices and officers listed below.

6. Legislation and other documents related to our policy

Refer to the [Delegation Policy] for all delegations at Adelaide University.

7. History of changes

At the time of writing, Adelaide University’s organisational structure, position titles, and committee names have not been confirmed. Square brackets [ ] indicate placeholders for these details. Brackets are also used to identify policy elements that are subject to further decision-making or confirmation. These will be updated once final decisions are made.