Dubai Medical University · Quality Assurance & Institutional Effectiveness

I. Legal Compliance and Public Disclosure

I.1 — Conflict of Interest

Document Control Information

Policy Code
I.1
Standard
I. Legal Compliance and Public Disclosure
Status
published
Version
2
Process Owner
Legal Council
Prepared By
Legal Council
Reviewed By
QAIE
BOT Approval
approved
First Issue Date
20 Sept 2023
Last Review Date
18 Jun 2024
Relevant To
DMU Stakeholders
Used With
—

Modification History

Version    Date    Update Information  Author/ Reviewer
V 1.0   September 2023  Policy First Implemented   Head Legal Office/ University Council
V 1.1 June 2024 Position titles updated as per the organization structure. QA & IE Department

Purpose and Scope

Purpose:
While DMU trusts the professionalism of its employees, a conflict-of-interest policy has been stated in the Policies and Procedures Manual.  This policy was created to help the university protect its employees against criticism or compromise by reporting and managing situations of potential conflict, proactively. The process ensures that such situations are recognized and disclosed so that appropriate steps can be taken to avoid and manage them.

Scope:
This policy can be applicable to areas of conflicts with educational mission, research integrity, commitment, financial dealings, or grading of examination.
 

Abbreviations and Definitions

"Conflict of Interest" is defined as: It is emphasized that this policy does not imply a lack of trust in the employees.  A clear policy is warranted as a criticism related to integrity might be very damaging for the reputation of the university. Such situations might arise not only in cases where there is actual betrayal of trust but also where a conflicting situation exists or appears to exist. 
 

Policy Statement

Policy Statement:
DMU is committed to ethical conduct, transparency, and the responsible management of conflicts of interest to protect the integrity and reputation of the university.
 

Procedures & Guidelines

Procedure for Policy:
  1. Full prior disclosure of interests is clearly an important mechanism for management of conflicts of interest.
  2. In some cases, after adequate evaluation, the Associate Deans, and finally the Dean may decide that no further action needs to be taken.
  3. The primary obligation rests with the employee to recognize situations in which s/he potentially has a conflict of interest and to disclose to their superior.
  4. Employees are advised to declare such an interest if they are in any doubt about its relevance or materiality.
  5. Employees are reminded that failure to declare a significant interest is potentially a disciplinary matter.
The employees who are involved in educating, training, supervising, or directing the work (education) of students should ensure that the education they provide is appropriate to the student and in the best interest of the college.
Should any member of DMU staff feel they are in a position where there is a possibility of conflict of interest, they must contact their Associate Deans and Department chairs as soon as possible. The potential conflict of interest must be disclosed in the form provided. The Dean will then take appropriate actions to deal with the situation.
Resolution:
Examples of conflicts and proposed actions. Employees are not permitted to work outside the organization without prior approval (in accordance with UAE law).

Responsibilities for Application

Attached Documents & References