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Contract #68-2002 <br />OPC Liaison <br />ATTACHMENT D <br />CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY <br />Orange County Department of Social Services <br />Conflict of Interest Defined: <br />A conflict of interest is defined as an actual or perceived interest by a (Contractor/staff <br />memberBoard member) in an action that results in, or has the appearance of resulting in, <br />personal, organizational, or professional gain. A conflict of interest occurs when an <br />employee/ContractorBoard member has a direct or fiduciary interest in another <br />relationship. A conflict of interest could include: <br />- Ownership with a member of the Board of Directors/Trustees or an employee <br />where one or the other has supervisory authority over the other or with a client <br />who receives services. <br />- Employment of or by a member of the Board of Directors/Trustees or an <br />employee where one or the other has supervisory authority over the other or <br />with a client who receives services. <br />- Contractual relationship with a member of the Board of Directors/Trustees or <br />an employee where one or the other has supervisory authority over the other or <br />with a client who receives services. <br />- Creditor or debtor to a member of the Board of Directors/Trustees or an <br />employee where one or the other has supervisory authority over the other or <br />with a client who receives services. <br />- Consultative or consumer relationship with a member of the Board of <br />Directors/Trustees or an employee where one or the other has supervisory <br />authority over the other or with a client who receives services. <br />The definition of conflict of interest includes any bias or the appearance of bias in a <br />decision-making process that would reflect a dual role played by a member of the <br />organization or group. An example, for instance, might involve a person who is an <br />employee and a Board member, or a person who is an employee and who hires <br />family members as consultants. <br />Employee/Contractor/Board Member Responsibilities: <br />It is in the interest of the organization, individual staff, and Board members to strengthen <br />trust and confidence in each other, to expedite resolution of problems, to mitigate the <br />effect and to minimize organizational and individual stress that can be caused by a <br />conflict of interest. <br />Employees are to avoid any conflict of interest, even the appearance of a conflict of <br />interest. This organization serves the community as a whole rather than only serving a <br />special interest group. The appearance of a conflict of interest can cause embarrassment <br />to the organization and jeopardize the credibility of the organization. Any conflict of <br />interest, potential conflict of interest, or the appearance of a conflict of interest is to be <br />reported to your supervisor immediately. Employees are to maintain independence and <br />objectivity with clients, the community, and organization. Employees are called to <br />Conflict of Interest Policy (06/04) Page 1 of 3 <br />