The Diocese of Springfield in Illinois is concerned with conflicts of interest that create actual or potential job-related concerns, especially in the areas of morality, confidentiality, and safety.

No employee shall have a direct or indirect interest or activity which directly or indirectly conflicts with employment with the Curia, parish, school, or other agency of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois or the teachings of the Catholic Church.

No employee shall publicly engage in behavior or make statements which are inconsistent and/or potentially embarrassing to the teachings and mission of the Catholic Church.

A conflict of interest or responsibility may arise where the employee has interests, employment commitments or responsibilities outside of their employer. Any other job interest or activity from which the employee seeks monetary payment or other financial gain during the employee’s regular or assigned working hours shall be a conflict of interest. This definition does not prohibit any employee from holding other employment so long as these hours do not overlap or coincide with the required time set forth by the Curia, parish, school, or other agency and so long as the employee’s work performance is not affected by outside employment.

Every employee has a responsibility for the general well-being of their work environment. During the period of employment, no employee shall disclose or use for personal profit any information acquired in the course of duties.

No employee shall use or attempt to use his/her position to gain anything of personal value that would not ordinarily accrue to the employee in the performance of official duties when the activity makes a substantial and improper influence upon the employee’s duties or responsibilities with the Curia, parish, school, or other agency.

Before engaging in work outside the office which may result in a conflict of interest, employees must obtain written consent from the pastor, principal, Office for Human Resources, or agency director. A conflict may exist if the other employer espouses beliefs inconsistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church or if the other employer often performs services or supplies for the employer. Failure to secure such written approval prior to engaging in interest-conflicting work outside the office, for which pay, or other income is provided, may result in disciplinary action, not excluding termination of employment.

Any materials, which may include but are not limited to any kind of computer, audio-visual, written materials, which are developed by an employee either during working hours or with employer facilities, equipment, and materials shall be the property of the Curia, parish, school, or other agency unless otherwise negotiated between the employer and the employee.