Anti-Bribery & Corruption

Is it bribery to pay to take someone to dinner (or to the corporate box) on the business account? Does it make a difference if it is paid for in cash? Or is the business being conducted in a place in the world where “commissions” are normal? The criminal and business repercussions of getting the answers wrong could be substantial to you and your business. Many companies find themselves asking the same questions as you. And many more are asked by suppliers to confirm they have policies and training in place before they will deal with you. How prepared are you?

What we do:

Help you understand the risks that bribery and corruption might present to your business.
Show you how to reap the benefits that can come from working directly to eliminate risks of bribery.
Advise you on your risk assessments for anti-bribery and corruption.
Assess how the nature of your particular organisation and business deals might influence your strategy.
Assist with the implementation of suitable policies and procedures throughout your organisation to avoid criminal liability.
Provide relevant and fun training online and in person.
Help set up a gift register and other practical compliance steps.

Why use Haddletons:

We have been advising and training on the Bribery Act since it came out in 2010. We have the expertise and field-knowledge to guide you through the steps you should take to protect yourself, your team and your supply chain. And we will be there to help you if it all goes wrong and you are investigated or prosecuted.

Why take the risk at at all?

Director of the SFO David Green CB QC said:

“Acts of bribery by UK companies significantly damage this country’s commercial reputation … UK companies must take full responsibility for the actions of their employees and in their commercial activities act in accordance with the law.”

The Haddletons Way

Trust

We earn your trust through our authenticity. We listen, we communicate honestly, we genuinely care.

Warmth

We are people just like you. Get to know us and you will find that we can do more than just resolve your problems and lighten your load.

Personal Service

We look at the world through your eyes to offer a truly bespoke service. The more we understand you and your world, the more we can do for you.

Premium Quality

We offer a premium service with price certainty. Our insight and expertise applied to your needs.

As the previous CFO at Kloeckner, the bribery training Haddletons gave was one of our most popular training courses designed to complement Kloeckner’s strong compliance programme as a large listed company. Haddletons have an ability to really engage people and get them to think about what bribery means to them, avoiding legal terminology. Watching them take “bribes” mid-training is a highlight! I would definitely recommend this training.

Nichola Skelton

Former CFO, Kloeckner Metals UK

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I protect my business against bribery and corruption allegations?

Let us assess your risk and advise you! You should have an anti-bribery policy which is appropriate to the level of risk your business faces. Your policy should include:

your approach to reducing and controlling the risks of bribery
rules about accepting gifts, hospitality or donations
guidance on how to conduct your business, eg. negotiating contracts
rules on avoiding or stopping conflicts of interest

What are the four main offences defined by the UK Bribery Act 2010?

The four main offences are:

bribing another person
being bribed
bribing a public official
failure by a commercial organisation to prevent bribery

Offences 1-3 can be committed by an individual or a company. Offence 4 can only be committed by a company.

What does the term bribery mean in a business setting?

The term bribery refers to the offering, giving, soliciting or receiving of any item of value as a means to influencing the actions of an official, or other person in charge.

What is an example of a bribe in business?

A bribe is described as giving ‘financial or other advantage’ to an individual. So in addition to financial inducements, this could refer to gifts, hospitality and other incentives.

What is the average sentence for bribery and corruption offences?

The sentence that you are given will depend upon what you are charged with. However, the maximum penalty in the UK is ten years. A business can also be asked to pay an unlimited fee as a penalty.

Get Started Today

Minimise the risk of investigation and prosecution – let Haddletons safeguard you.