How do I identify a conflict of interest as a BC Public Service employee?
Last updated on July 7, 2021What is a conflict of interest?
Conflicts of interest may happen in any situation in which your private interests come into conflict with your duties as an employee of the BC Public Service. There are three types of conflict of interest in the BC Public Service. There are times when you are not sure if you are in a situation that poses a conflict, or someone suggests that you may be in a conflict.
It's important to learn more because you are responsible for arranging your private affairs to prevent conflicts of interest from happening.
The three types of conflict of interest
Real Conflict of Interest
A conflict of interest exists where an employee’s actions or conduct could undermine or compromise the public’s confidence in the employee’s ability to discharge work responsibilities or the trust that the public places in the BC Public Service.
Potential Conflict of Interest
A potential conflict of interest arises where an employee has private interests such that, while no conflict of interest has yet arisen, a conflict of interest would exist were the employee to become involved in discharging workplace responsibilities in the future that could be influenced by the private interest.
Perceived Conflict of Interest
A perceived conflict of interest can be said to exist where an employee’s private interests would appear to a reasonable person to conflict with their job duties even though there may not be an actual conflict of interest.
Next steps
If you find yourself in a situation where you may be in a conflict of interest, or if someone suggests that you are in a conflict, you should seek advice from your manager or ethics advisor. Seeking advice helps us identify and resolve any possible conflicts of interest.
Disclosing possible conflicts of interest protects the interests of the BC Public Service and protects you by ensuring you are meeting your obligations under the Standards of Conduct.