The Apoio Pulse – Issue 40

Today, we want to delve into a crucial aspect that can affect both your business services and relationships with participants - Conflict of Interest.

Conflict of interest can be a slippery slope, and we're here to provide clarity. It occurs when a provider's personal or financial interests compromise the best interests of a participant. Consider a scenario where a provider recommends specific dietary products while also owning a health food store. It's like a restaurant critic who owns the restaurant they're reviewing, casting doubt on their impartiality.

We understand that conflicts of interest can sometimes be subtle, unintentional, or simply overlooked. That's why it's essential to recognise and address them. 

Let's break it down:

• Full Disclosure: The first step in addressing conflicts of interest is to be transparent. If you're in a situation where your services could be perceived as conflicting with a participant's best interests, disclose it. Honesty is the best policy.

• Maintain Participant Focus: Always put the interests of the participant first. Even if a situation involves a conflict of interest, your primary responsibility is to ensure the participant's well-being and goals are met.

• Mitigate Conflicts: Take proactive steps to manage conflicts of interest. For example, if you provide a Occupational Therapy services and also sell assistive technology, consider partnering with a separate assistive technology provider to maintain transparency.

• Written Policies: Establish written policies and guidelines within your organisation to help identify and address potential conflicts of interest effectively.

• Regular Training: Ensure your team is well-informed about the importance of addressing conflicts of interest and the steps to mitigate them.

As NDIS service providers, it's our collective responsibility to maintain the highest standards of integrity and trust. By addressing conflicts of interest head-on, we not only uphold the NDIS principles but also strengthen our credibility within the community.
Our goal is to make the NDIS community a shining example of ethical service provision. We invite you to share your experiences and ideas on managing conflicts of interest by emailing us at [email protected]
Let's work together to ensure that our services remain participant-focused, transparent, and built on trust.