Conflicts of Interest
A conflict of interest can arise where personal, financial, professional or organisational interests could influence—or reasonably appear to influence—a Pro Class decision, assessment, quality activity or certification outcome. Conflicts should be identified and managed rather than ignored.
What may create a conflict
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A personal or family relationship with a learner, candidate, centre representative or decision-maker.
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A financial or commercial interest that could benefit from a particular outcome.
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A professional role, consultancy, employment or competing responsibility connected to the matter being reviewed.
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Prior involvement in a decision where independent review is later required.
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Any other circumstance that could reasonably call impartiality into question.
Declaration
People acting for Pro Class or within an applicable approved-centre process should disclose a relevant conflict as soon as they become aware of it. The declaration should contain enough information for the conflict to be assessed without unnecessary disclosure of unrelated personal information.
Managing a conflict
Depending on the situation, an appropriate response may include recording the interest, limiting participation, assigning another reviewer, adding independent oversight, or removing a person from the relevant decision. The response should be proportionate to the risk.
Records & concerns
Material conflicts and the way they were managed should be documented where appropriate. Concerns that a conflict has not been declared or managed can be raised through Pro Class’s contact or complaint channels.