Conflict of Interest

When making purchases, departments should avoid doing business with suppliers if there is a conflict of interest.

University of California policy requires that an employee’s University and private interests are kept separate. This separation protects the University and its employees from charges of favoritism when purchasing goods and services.

Policy prohibits an employee from participating in or making a decision about a purchase if there is a financial conflict of interest. Requirements governing such decision making are outlined in the University Conflict of Interest Code and must be followed when the University purchases goods and services.

When Does Conflict of Interest Apply?

Conflict of interest may apply when you are considering making a purchase from a supplier who is one or more of the following:

UC employee
UC employee who owns or controls more than 10 percent interest in the business
Former UC employee who has separated from the University within the past two years
Near relative of a UC employee when the employee has any involvement in the department’s decision to do business and/or approve the transactions with the supplier
Near relative of a UC employee who owns or controls more than a 10 percent interest in the business and the employee has any involvement in the department’s decision to do business and/or approve the transactions with the supplier.