Chapter 05 · Standards & assuranceConformity Assessment, Certification & Assurance
Conflict of interest
Definition
A conflict of interest is a situation where a person or organisation has interests that could improperly influence, or appear to influence, an assessment or decision.
References
This reference provides supporting context for how “Conflict of interest” is defined and used.
Overview
What it means in practice
Conflict of interest should be read as a conformity-assessment term. Its meaning depends on the criteria, assessor competence, scope and decision that relies on the assessment.
In practice, users should state the standard, boundary, method and evidence behind the term. That keeps conflict of interest useful without overstating assurance or performance.
Why it matters
Conflict of interest matters because certification and assurance language affects trust. Clear use helps readers understand who assessed what, against which criteria, with what independence and with what limits.
Common misconception
A common error is to treat Conflict of interest as a guarantee by itself. The stronger approach is to state the applicable standard, scope, assessor role and limits of the conclusion.
Review questions
What criteria or boundary gives the term meaning? Who assessed or evidenced it? What limitation should be stated so a reader does not treat the term as broader than it is?
How it is used
In professional practice, “Conflict of interest” helps standard setters, scheme owners, certification bodies, auditors and organisations seeking assurance describe or assess a situation where a person or organisation has interests that could improperly influence, or appear to influence, an assessment or decision.
It is commonly encountered in standards, certification, conformity assessment, audits, controls and assurance engagements. A credible application identifies the named standard or scheme, version, scope, criteria, assurance level and competent decision-maker.