Resolution Options: Conflicts of Interest and Appearance Issues
- Disqualification: You are not permitted to work on, and you must isolate yourself from, the matter that is creating the conflict or impartiality problem. You may be given other assignments where the conflict does not exist.
- Divestiture of Financial Interest: You sell, gift or otherwise dispose of the financial interest that is creating the conflict. If your agency directs you to divest, you should consult your ethics officials about the possibility of deferring any taxes on any resulting capital gains before you sell the asset.
- Change of Assignment: If practical, you may be transferred to another position or new job duties where the conflict will not arise.
- Cease Outside Activity / Resignation: If you are engaged in an outside activity that poses a conflict, then you can choose, or may be directed, to end that outside activity.
- Waiver/Authorization: In some cases, your ethics official can help to determine whether a waiver or authorization to allow your participation, despite the conflict of interest or impartiality concern, is appropriate.
