I am currently looking into the Bribery Act and small businesses - up to 20 employees. Is the act just for large companies in Government, MOD etc.?
I would be interested to know if anyone has had any dealings with employees accepting 'gifts' from suppliers and what impact it could have/has had on the business
a) if they have declared them
b) the consequences for the employee when found out - if any?
c) fairness to other employees
Comments
Thanks Mike, Great help!
Looks like it Julia - you can find some good stuff here from the Government website
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/23/contents
Hi Mike,
Thank you for your input, where could I view the module covering gifts and hospitality and what actually constitutes a gift that is inappropriate. Looks like I am going to have to write a policy on it!
Hi Julia,
Interesting topic. In my days at RBS (appreciate this is bigger than 20 employees) we had a yearly eLearning module on the Bribery Act..
I remember the bribery module covering gifts and hospitality and what actually constitutes a gift that is inappropriate. I have heard stories over the years of people accepting gifts from suppliers to secure contracts and these gifts were accepted which then influenced the tender process. In terms of impact on business it could mean that the right suppliers are not getting contracts but ultimately it's unethical and unfair that any individual accepts a gift that could be considered a bribe and not declaring it.
You also have the question the company or individual providing the gift....
The consequences for any employee accepting a gift and not declaring it which then influences decisions would be in my mind gross mis-conduct and could lead to dismissal.
Like anything though it's about having a clear and transparent policy and people understand what they policy is and if in doubt ask...
What's the work to do with - is your organisation?