Independence is freedom from situations and relationships which make it 
probable that a reasonable and informed third party would conclude that 
objectivity either is impaired or could be impaired. Independence is related to 
and underpins objectivity. However, whereas objectivity is a personal 
behavioural characteristic concerning the auditor’s state of mind, 
independence relates to the circumstances surrounding the audit, including 
the financial, employment, business and personal relationships between the 
auditor and the audited entity and its connected parties. Relationships with 
parties whose interests may be contrary to the interests of the audited entity 
(for example, a hostile bidder) may also be relevant to the appearance of the 
auditor’s independence.