INTRODUCTION
The company has implemented this policy to ensure the highest standards of honesty and integrity in
its business. The company has assessed the risk to the business of acts of bribery and corruption and
expects all employees and associated persons acting on behalf of the company to comply with this
policy and to ensure that no offence under the Bribery Act 2010 is committed for which the company
would be liable. Failure to comply with this policy may constitute a serious act of misconduct which
could result in the dismissal of an employee / worker or the cancellation of a contract with an
associated person.
Bribery
Bribery may be known as a bung, kickback, favour for cash or another term. It is generally
defined as the giving or receiving of a financial inducement or other advantage in return for the
improper performance of a relevant function or activity.
Examples of bribery include giving or receiving a financial inducement or other advantage in
order to:
• secure or keep a contract
• secure an order
• gain any advantage over a competitor
turn a blind eye to a health safety issue or poor performance or substitution of materials
or false labour charges
•
• falsify an inspection report or obtain a certificate
Bribes can be given to, or received from representatives of suppliers, contractors, public officials
and clients amongst others.
Bribes do not have to involve a cash payment and can include the giving or receiving of gifts,
hospitality, entertainment or other benefit.
1.
The Bribery Act 2010
The Bribery Act makes it a criminal offence for an individual to offer or accept a bribe and is
punishable by a fine and / or up to 10 years imprisonment.
The Act also states that an offence will be committed by a commercial organisation if they fail to
prevent a person associated with the organisation from offering or accepting a bribe which
would obtain or retain business for the organisation or cause the organisation to gain an
advantage in the conduct of its business.
An associated person could include a director, shareholder, employee, agency worker,
sub-contractor, supplier or other third party acting in association with the organisation such as a
partner in a joint venture. Where an organisation is found guilty of this offence this can be
punished by an unlimited fine and / or the loss of the right to tender for government contracts.
The conviction of the organisation, and / or any person acting in association with the
organisation, could also cause severe damage to the reputation of the organisation.
In order to ensure compliance with the Act and general principles of honesty, integrity and
commercial fairness the company has adopted the policy in order to prevent the commission of
acts of bribery in its name.
2.
Prohibited Conduct
The following conduct is prohibited by this policy:
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making unofficial payments to officials in order to obtain any permission, permit or
stamp;
•
• making payments or giving incentives in order to obtain or retain business
• accepting payments or receiving incentives in return for accepting a tender for business
making or receiving a facilitation payment to expedite the performance of a routine
procedure or function
•
The above conduct is prohibited, regardless of the location where it occurs, anywhere in the
world. No director, shareholder, employee, agent or other third party acting on behalf of the
company shall be involved in such conduct.
Permitted conduct
This policy is not intended to prohibit the following practices provided they are appropriate,
proportionate and are properly recorded:
normal hospitality (this should normally be to thank an existing client or supplier for
loyalty and should not normally occur during a tendering process or contract
negotiations); or
♦
♦ fast tracking a process which is available to all on the payment of a fee; or
providing resources to assist a person or body to make a decision more efficiently,
provided that it is for this purpose only.
♦
4.
Due diligence – suppliers and partners
Where a person acting on behalf of the business is considering entering into an agreement with
a new supplier, agent or partner then they should consider whether or not that person or
organisation is likely to be involved in corrupt or unlawful practices that may be in contravention
of the Bribery Act 2010.
Factors that should be considered include:
♦ the nature of the business carried out by the supplier, agent or partner
♦ the location(s) where the supplier, agent or partner is based and carries on its business
whether or not the supplier, agent or partner will be making payments (including taxes or
fees) on behalf of the company
♦
whether or not the supplier, agent or partner will be applying for permits, licences or
official stamps from public officials or authorities on behalf of the business
♦
whether or not the supplier, agent or partner will be involved in tender processes or
contract negotiations on behalf of the business.
♦
Where it is considered that there is a risk of bribery arising from entering into an agreement with
a new supplier then due diligence on the supplier, agent or partner must be carried out. This
may involve obtaining information on any anti bribery policies the supplier, agent or partner has
in place, obtaining third party references for the supplier, agent or partner and obtaining criminal
record checks for relevant individuals.
Whenever the company enters into an agreement with a new supplier, agent or partner then
they must be made aware of the company anti bribery policy and confirm their intent to comply
with it at all times.
Where it is considered that there is a significant risk of bribery then the matter must be referred
to a director or senior management for advice and direction before any agreement is entered
into.
5.
Reporting procedures
Any person associated with the business who suspects that any person or organisation
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engaged in business, or associated, with the company is involved in bribery should report this
through the Company Whistle Blowing policy. A copy of the Company Whistle Blowing policy is
available on request.
All reports will be taken seriously and dealt with promptly and where possible in confidence. Any
person reporting suspected bribery should be able to do so without fear of reprisal and no
disciplinary or otherwise detrimental action will be taken against a person for reporting a
suspected act of bribery, unless there is evidence that they did so in bad faith.
