AN INTRODUCTION TO ANTI-BRIBERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (BS 10500)

When is a gift not a gift? When its a bribe. For many, corporate hospitality oils the wheels of commerce. But where do you draw the line? Bribes, incentives and inducements are not just a matter of used banknotes stuffed in brown envelopes. Expenses, corporate settlement of personal bills, gifts and hospitality can all be used to influence business partners, clients and contractors. Can you afford unlimited fines? Under the Bribery Act 2010 , a maximum of ten years imprisonment and an unlimited fine may be imposed for offering, promising, giving, requesting, agreeing, receiving or accepting bribes. With such strict penalties, its astonishing that so few companies have few or no measures in place to ensure that they are not liable for prosecution. This is especially astonishing as the Ministry of Justices Quick start guide to the Bribery Act makes it clear that There is a full defence if you can show you had adequate procedures in place to prevent bribery. Such procedures can be found in BS 10500