Let me specify that the directive on conflict of interest states that public service employees should refrain from having private interests and engaging in outside employment that may impair their ability to be objective and to be impartial. Employees are under an explicit obligation to advise their deputy head of outside employment and activities that “might give rise to a real, apparent or potential conflict of interest”. Anyone in the public service who is not compliant with the requirements in the directive may be subject to disciplinary measures, up to and including termination of employment.
