Know the Code: Conflicts of Interest

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Know the Code is a monthly series highlighting different sections of the County of San Diego Code of Ethics.  The mission of the Office of Ethics and Compliance (OEC) is to assist in fulfilling the County’s commitment to the highest standards of ethics and compliance. 

By the Office of Ethics and Compliance

Every public servant, elected, appointed, or hired, enters into an agreement with the people: that as a public servant they will act ethically and seek to promote the public interest in the work that they do.

County employees should avoid becoming involved in activities that improperly influence their actions or job functions. This includes taking outside employment or engaging in activities where an employee’s judgment could be impaired in performing their duties for the County.

Reporting these and other potential conflicts having to do with relatives working in the same department or relationships with clients, contractors, and vendors must be disclosed so they do not compromise the County employee’s objectivity, accountability, or judgment.

list of policies

If It’s Disclosed, It Can Be Managed!

Be Proactive – ask before acting. This is one of those times when it is better to ask for permission, than to have to explain what went wrong.

  • Maybe you’re thinking about starting a business or doing some consulting because you’re an expert, or

  • Maybe you have been invited to join a professional association or Board of Directors that may ask you to participate in fundraising for the organization, or

  • Maybe you’re a newly assigned COR and you recognize a friend’s name in the list of vendors whose contracts you’ll be managing.

Ask before acting to make sure these activities and changes in circumstances do not create a conflict between your personal interests and professional responsibilities.  Remember if it’s disclosed, then it can be managed properly to avoid the conflict.

Check out the OEC webpage on InSite for information about upcoming Ethics & Compliance Program events, training, and resources including monthly “Know the Code” articles and micro-training videos.

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If you have questions about Ethics & Compliance training or how to access the training and other Ethics & Compliance resources, please contact the OEC team at oec@sdcounty.ca.gov, 619-531-5174. 

HHSA staff may also contact the dedicated HHSA Agency Compliance team at compliance.hhsa@sdcounty.ca.gov, 619-338-2807.