Policy regarding policy conflicts of interest
A conflict of interest (COI) is a situation that gives reason to doubt a person’s impartiality. A COI policy is intended to guarantee objectivity and impartiality in selection, presentation and decision procedures and to instil confidence in all parties regarding such objectivity.
Provisions governing COI for public authorities are set forth in Förvaltningslagen (Administrative Procedure Act), SFS 1986:223. SSF voluntarily applies the provisions in a similar manner as state research-funding bodies. SSF’s Governing Board can authorize exceptions from this policy if extraordinary reasons exist. A prime example of such extraordinary reasons is the need for specialist expertise for the handling of a matter. A record shall be kept of all such decisions, in the same way as disclosure of COI.