Background
The International Accrediting Commission for Digital Education (IACDE) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and impartiality in all accreditation activities.
This policy ensures that all individuals involved in the accreditation process—Commissioners, staff, peer reviewers, and contractors—act objectively and avoid conflicts of interest that may compromise credibility or independence.
The purpose of this policy is to:
• Safeguard the impartiality and integrity of IACDE’s decision-making.
• Identify, disclose, and manage real or perceived conflicts of interest.
• Promote transparency and trust among institutions, partners, and the public.

Applicability
This policy applies to:
• All Commissioners, officers, employees, and peer reviewers.
• Consultants, advisors, and contractors representing IACDE.
• Any individual involved in evaluating, reviewing, or advising institutions.

Definition of Conflict of Interest
A conflict of interest exists when an individual’s personal, professional, financial, or institutional interests could reasonably appear to influence, or actually influence, their impartiality in performing IACDE duties.
Examples include:
• Having a financial or employment relationship with an institution under review.
• Serving as a consultant or advisor to an applicant institution.
• Reviewing a current or former employer, colleague, or close associate.
• Holding investments or positions that may benefit from accreditation outcomes.

Disclosure and Recusal
• All participants must submit annual Conflict of Interest Declarations.
• Individuals must promptly disclose any potential conflict as soon as identified.
• The Chairperson or Commission may require recusal from specific deliberations.
• Failure to disclose may result in disciplinary action or removal from service.
Procedures for Managing Conflicts
• Potential conflicts are reviewed by the Policy & Standards Committee.
• Determinations are documented and retained in the Commission’s records.
• Replacement reviewers may be assigned when necessary to preserve impartiality.

Confidentiality
All conflict disclosures and related records are treated as confidential and used solely for compliance and ethics oversight.

Training and Compliance
All Commissioners, staff, and reviewers must complete ethics and conflict-of-interest training annually.

International Accrediting Commission for Digital Education (IACDE)
8206 Louisiana Blvd NE Ste B #10025, Albuquerque, NM 87113, USA
info@iacde.org | www.iacde.org
“Your Mission Deserves Accreditation Without Barriers.”

Policy Adoption Record
Adopted by the International Accrediting Commission for Digital Education: 06/2025
Revised: 10/2025
Editorial Revision: 10/2025