Speaker: Chris Wheeler, Consultant, Former Deputy NSW Ombudsman & Part-time Commissioner - Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission

Session Synopsis:

This presentation will focus on operational and procedural complexities involved in attempting to manage conflicts of interest that have been highlighted in a number of recent media articles and a report published by the NSW Ombudsman in 2020.

These include highlighting issues around:

• Who, the reports of conflicts of interests, should be made to in various circumstances that can arise?
• In what circumstances should the holders of such information disclose conflicts of interest to others within the organisation?
• Should there be a checking mechanism in place to ensure such disclosures are appropriately made?
• What options might be available to address in-built/structural conflicts of interests, for example where local councils are the applicant and determination body or Ministers have input into the selection of recipients for government grants?
• When does an acquaintance become a friend, and a friend become a close associate or a ‘closely related party’?

Given that, apparently, 10% or more of couples meet through work:

• what disclosure requirements could an employer reasonably insist on?
• at what point in a developing relationship can employees be expected to make such a disclosure (and the complications that arise when a relationship is an ‘affair’)?
• what management arrangements could an employer reasonably implement to address any such disclosed conflict?
• how can power imbalances be addressed in the management of such a conflict?

LIMITED IN PERSON EVENT RESTRICTED TO 80 PEOPLE

In light of the current pandemic and lifting of some restrictions we would like to offer very limited (first in) registration to attend the March Seminar in person.

Spaces are strictly limited due to COVID-safe capacities, so please register to secure your spot. If you register but cannot attend please de-register yourself to allow others to attend.

The session will also be provided online for those who cannot attend in person or miss out on the limited capacity spots.