Identifying an actual or potential conflict of interest can be challenging, but it’s important for you to recognize and disclose any potential conflicts to your employer. Here’s some information to help.

How does a conflict of interest happen?

A conflict of interest can occur when your private or financial interests conflict or appear to conflict with your work responsibilities. You may be in a conflict of interest if:

• Your ability to act in the interests of VCH may be impaired;
• Your conduct undermines or compromises public confidence in your ability to discharge work responsibilities; or
• Your conduct undermines or compromises public trust in VCH.

Some examples of conflicts

• A staff member sits on the board of directors of an organization that wishes to do business with VCH.
• A company that has a business relationship with VCH offers tickets to a staff member for a networking event.
• A staff member is involved in a VCH procurement decision and has a proprietary interest in one of the proponents.
• Research funding is offered to a staff member who holds a position of governance in the company offering the funding.
• A staff member is offered an all-expenses paid trip to a company’s showroom, manufacturing plant or other facility to see its process, equipment, expertise or operations.
• A staff member works in a department overseen by someone related to them.
• A staff member is receiving employment income while receiving sick leave payments from VCH.
• A staff member is the owner or patent holder in a product or service being considered by VCH.

More examples

What to do

If you believe you have a conflict of interest or are not sure if the situation you are in poses an actual or potential conflict, you should:

1. Read the Conflict of Interest policy to help you determine if there is a conflict of interest; and
2. Speak to your supervisor/manager about your situation.

If you think that your situation raises an actual or potential conflict of interest, you and your supervisor/manager should complete the Conflict Disclosure Form to determine what can be done to manage or mitigate the conflict.

Supervisors/managers should contact the Conflicts Advisory Committee for any advice regarding a conflict of interest. Forward Conflict Disclosure Forms completed by staff to Employee Engagement, and forms completed by medical staff to Physician Relations and Compensation, for record-keeping.

More information

The Conflict of Interest policy provides guidance to staff (including medical staff) on actual and potential conflicts of interest.

Questions can be directed to Legal Services.