Work Outside the University (Professional Staff) Toolkit

Approval of Outside Work

The University of Adelaide recognises that members of Professional Staff have involvement in private activities outside of their substantive employment. These activities may expose the University to risks, including conflict of interest, unauthorised use of University resources, potential legal liability and damage to its reputation.

The intention of the policy is not to prevent members of Professional Staff from undertaking outside work but to effectively manage the risks to the University.

When considering applications from Professional Staff to undertake outside work, supervisors and managers should consider the following.

Conflict of Interest

Does the University have an interest in the proposed outside work or an association with the person or entity for whom the work will be done?

The University having an interest in the proposed outside work or an association with the person or entity for whom the work is to be done is not in itself sufficient reason for disapproval. However if there is risk of the University's interest being compromised, then it is reasonable for it to:

• disallow the outside work to occur whilst the member of Professional Staff remains employed with the University, or to
• allow the outside work subject to conditions intended to protect the University's interest.

Does the member of Professional Staff's employment relationship with the University provide them with unfair commercial/financial/personal advantage regarding the proposed outside work?

Members of Professional Staff are entitled to independently undertake outside work. However the work should not be won on the basis of the Professional Staff member's employment association with the University and/ or access to University resources and information.

Does the proposed outside work depend upon the use of any University resources and if so what arrangements have been made to recoup costs?

In circumstances where outside work makes use of University resources, consideration should be given to how costs might be recovered. Outside work that makes use of University resources may have legal implications in the event of any resulting accident, damage or loss.

Is there a risk that approval of the request may compromise the functioning, efficiency and morale of the work group/unit, etc?

Outside work undertaken by a Professional Staff member should not unreasonably impact on the duties of their position with the University nor should the work affect others in the group. Clearly there is a point at which out side work will affect the efficiency and morale of the whole unit, and management should be mindful of this when considering applications.

• Conflict of Interest Toolkit

Conflict of Commitment

Will the proposed outside work unreasonably affect the performance of a Professional Staff member's substantive duties or compete with the interests of the University?

The University has a reasonable expectation that members of Professional Staff that it employs have the necessary expertise for their role, and retain the physical and mental capacity to perform them. When considering request to undertake outside work, managers and supervisors should be satisfied that the proposed work will not be at the expense of the staff members performance of their substantive role.

Risk to Reputation

Is the nature of the outside work proposed by the member of Professional staff likely to bring the University's name into disrepute by association?

Some outside work undertaken by Professional Staff members may be high profile or contentious. In such circumstances managers/supervisors must be satisfied that any risk of compromise to the University by employment association with the member of staff is effectively managed.

Liability

Does the member of Professional staff have adequate insurance cover to fully indemnify the University against any loss, damage or claim arising from the outside work?

Notwithstanding the independence of their outside work, members of Professional Staff should provide evidence that the University is fully indemnified against any loss, damage or claim.

What additional liability does the University have under Workers Compensation Legislation to pay salary/wages to a member of Professional staff injured whilst engaged in outside work.

Outside work is likely to carry workers compensation implications for the University. Managers/Supervisors should be aware that if a compensable injury occurs while in the employment of the University, compensation will take account of earnings from outside employment.

Does the member of Professional Staff have adequate insurance cover to fully indemnify the University against any loss, damage or claim arising from the outside work?

Notwithstanding the independence of their outside work, members of Professional Staff should provide evidence that the University is fully indemnified against any loss, damage or claim.

What additional liability does the University have under Workers Compensation Legislation to pay salary/wages to a member of Professional staff injured whilst engaged in outside work.

Outside work is likely to carry workers compensation implications for the University. Managers/Supervisors should be aware that if a compensable injury occurs while in the employment of the University, compensation will take account of earnings from outside employment.