Recruitment: candidate guide

Declaration and management of outside interests

Civil servants must not misuse their official position or information acquired in the course of their official duties to further their private interests or those of others.

During the course of the recruitment process you will be asked to consider and declare:

• any paid outside occupation or work that will be undertaken in addition to your position as a civil servant
• any other outside interests that you, a close family member or close friend currently holds that may conflict with or restrict your ability to carry out your duties as a civil servant

An outside interest can include but is not limited to personal interests (including personal relationships), financial interests, private shareholdings, business interests (including directorships), voluntary roles and previous employment, appointments or other outside roles.

If you are unsure whether you hold an outside interest that could conflict with your duties as a civil servant you should declare this information for consideration.

Please avoid using names of close family members, close friends or other third parties.

Any declared outside interests (including outside occupations) will be reviewed by the Scottish Government to decide whether a conflict exists and if any mitigating actions are needed to manage an identified conflict. In the event an outside interest presents a conflict that cannot be mitigated, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.