Conflict of interest risks - lessons from the Ombudsman

Everyone has private interests – it’s part of living our lives. As public sector workers we’re responsible for avoiding situations where these interests improperly influence our work.

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Course content

The Victorian Ombudsman regularly sees poorly handled conflicts of interest causing big problems (and bad headlines!) for public organisations.

How can we ensure dealing with conflict of interest is part of doing business as usual?

One of our learnings is that knowledge of conflict of interest risks needs to be spread widely across organisations. All employees need to be alert to the dangers.

Everyone has private interests – it’s part of living our lives. As public sector workers we’re responsible for avoiding situations where these interests improperly influence our work.

Decisions tainted by a conflict of interest - big or small - eat away at integrity, expose us to accusations of unfairness (or worse) and risk outcomes which are not in the public interest.

How can we develop the right skills to know what to do to avoid or manage conflicts, and support each other in achieving transparent, impartial decision making?

Learning outcomes

Join other public sector workers from across local and state government, to:

  • understand conflict of interest from a public sector perspective
  • explore why it’s crucial for all levels of government to handle these issues well
  • examine key considerations underpinning good decision making around conflicts of interest
  • recognise private interests which may impact on your work
  • practice a simple approach to identifying conflicts of interest using real life scenarios
  • discuss good practice strategies for recording and managing conflicts of interest
  • consider the importance of an ethical workplace to reinforce good decision making and unpack what this looks like in your context.

Testimonials

I found the multiple examples (many of which from real Ombudsman investigations) to be really useful in putting the concepts learnt into practice and understanding how they apply in real life contexts.

March 2022

It was the first time I have had a chance to look at Conflict of Interest from start to end, and fully understand the mechanics in between ...

September 2021

Contact us

For all enquiries please contact our Education team at education@ombudsman.vic.gov.au .

Facilitators

Marita Cullen

Marita Cullen

Program Coordinator and Facilitator

Marita’s firsthand experience dealing with complaints supports the high level of training she provides to our public sector education programs.

Before joining the Victorian Ombudsman as an Investigation Officer, Marita provided investigation and regulatory services with the Victorian Institute of Teaching and the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency.

Irene Parker

Irene Parker

Manager - Engagement, Education & Prevention

Irene Parker is also the Senior Facilitator in the Victorian Ombudsman’s Education & Prevention team. She is a Training and Programme Development Specialist with extensive experience in both Australia and Asia. Prior to joining the Victorian Ombudsman, Irene worked as a corporate trainer, with a focus on customer service and best practice. She also has established careers in advertising, marketing, and the performing arts.