Nobody likes to think it happens in their organization but unfortunately, criminal offences like bribery and corruption do occur. That’s why BSI has developed BS 10500 Anti-bribery Management Systems Specification; providing step-by-step guidance to implementing the right policies, procedures and controls to mitigate bribery risk.
As anti-bribery legislation gets tougher, the risk of corruption grows, particularly within the global markets in which we operate. Proven anti-bribery guidelines are expected to become a business requirement, which is why we recommend that you get ahead now.
Whatever your location, an independently certified ABMS provides evidence that your anti-bribery practices are robust. Get the support you need to maintain and continually improve these processes at the level required to protect your business, supply chain and most importantly, your employees.
BS 10500 outlines a systematic approach to managing bribery that encourages you to routinely monitor and improve your controls in proportion to the risks you face. That way, you'll be able to identify and address vulnerabilities early - before they have a chance to escalate.
The standard applies to organizations of all sizes, sectors and locations and is relevant to businesses in both the public and private sector. The anti-bribery standard is highly recommended for those working in industries with a greater exposure to risk, such as construction, engineering, defence, mining and utilities.
BS 10500 allows you to:
- Enable stronger confidence, better reputation and more business
- Identify risks early and prove you have measures in place
- Routinely monitor and improve controls
- Manage risk across your business, including supply chains
- Continually improve and deliver best practice in managing risks.
What is bribery?
Bribery is the offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of something of value for the purpose of influencing the action of an official in the discharge of his or her public or legal duties. A bribe can consist of immediate cash or of personal favours, a promise of later payment, or anything else the recipient views as valuable.
What is the UK Bribery Act?
The Act came into force in July 2010 making it a crime for commercial organizations failing to prevent people associated with them from committing bribery on their behalf. However now you can protect your business if you prove you have adequate anti-bribery procedures in place. UK government guidance published on 31 March 2011 recommends that the procedures you implement are proportionate to the level of risk your organization is exposed to and remains relevant on an international scale.
The cost of implementing an anti-bribery management system which is compliant with BS 10500 is likely to be minimal when compared to the loss and damage which could be suffered by an organization which gets involved in corruption.
You may also be interested in BS 10501:2014 Guide to implementing procurement fraud controls.
