Anti-bribery policy – why is it necessary?
Bribery and corruption are illegal: Bribery and corruption are criminal offences in the UK (and many other countries) and are crucial commercial threats a business needs to safeguard against. Despite their illegality, many businesses fall foul of anti-bribery and corruption laws. What’s worse, many of these businesses do so without realising they have crossed legal lines. You can find out more by reading the Bribery Act 2010.
Policy sets clear rules for staff: While it goes without saying that a business shouldn’t engage in bribery and corruption, it’s important to outline a business's approach, the steps its staff must follow, and the expectations the organisation upholds in relation to these criminal offences. Not only does this allow the business to make its position crystal clear, but it also clarifies the required actions of staff to avoid any legal missteps or general misunderstandings. This anti-bribery policy template helps businesses comply with their legal obligations.
Content of anti-bribery policy: This anti-bribery policy template can be used to set the foundations for a company’s strategy in dealing with bribery and corruption and explains that bribery and corruption are criminal offences in the UK. It also outlines the business’s approach to mitigating any instances of bribery and corruption, and the practical steps staff must follow to prevent bribery or corruption within the business. Prevention is certainly better than cure when it comes to bribery and corruption, but an anti-bribery policy must also cover those instances where the line has been crossed.
Important part of compliance: This anti-bribery policy template can also set the general tone for the approach of the business to important compliance topics. In other words, if your business hasn't got an anti-bribery policy in place then it is probably an indicator that compliance is an area which requires improvement within the business and needs some attention.
Examples: Examples of bribery might include using company funds to secure preferential treatment, using gifts to avoid scrutiny or any other favours that would unjustly gain favour for the business. One example of a key method for addressing anti-bribery and corruption is to ensure that your anti-bribery policy includes a mandatory and regularly communicated company-wide requirement that all hospitality and gifts connected with your business must be promptly declared and recorded within a centrally controlled register or document.
For more information about bribery laws and how they can affect your business, read the Bribery Act 2010 guidance on the government website.
Why use Docue's anti-bribery policy template?
Dynamic template: In order to create your anti-bribery policy with confidence and speed, simply click through the intelligent tick box options and text box answers in Docue's anti-bribery policy template and you’ll have a ready-to-use policy in no time.
Designed by lawyers: The anti-bribery policy template includes model content designed by lawyers to help you draft the policy yourself and tailor it to your needs.
Secure archive: After you have created your bespoke anti-bribery policy, you can store it (and any other documents) in Docue’s secure storage vault, Docue Drive.
Tags: anti-bribery policy template, internal anti-bribery policy, anti-bribery policy, ABC policy, compliance policies, anti-corruption policy
