The Policy Scope
This anti-bribery policy exists to set out the responsibilities of Inside Avenue Recruitment Ltd and those who work for the Company in relation to observing and upholding our zero-tolerance position on bribery and corruption.
It also exists to act as a source of information for those working for Inside Avenue Recruitment Ltd.
Policy Statement:
Inside Avenue Recruitment Ltd is committed to conducting business ethically and honestly and with a commitment to implementing and enforcing systems that ensure bribery is prevented. Inside Avenue Recruitment Ltd has zero tolerance towards bribery and corrupt activities. We are committed to acting professionally, fairly and with integrity in all our business activities.
Inside Avenue Recruitment Ltd will uphold all laws relating to anti-bribery and corruption. We are bound by the laws of the Bribery Act 2010 and take our legal responsibilities seriously.
Inside Avenue Recruitment Ltd recognises that bribery and corruption offences are punishable by a maximum of 10 years imprisonment and a fine. The result of committing such an offence will prohibit tendering for public tenders and damage beyond repair our reputation as an honest company with integrity.
Who is covered by the policy?
This anti-bribery policy applies to all employees (whether temporary or permanent) all Consultants, Directors, agency workers or any other person associated with us including third parties.
For the avoidance of doubt, third parties refer to any individual or organisation our company meets and works with. It refers to actual and potential clients, customers, suppliers, business contacts, agents, advisors, and government and public bodies – this includes their advisors, representatives and officials, politicians and public parties.
Any arrangement our company makes with a third party is subject to clear contractual terms, including specific provisions that require the third party to comply with minimum standards and procedures relating to anti-bribery and corruption.
Definition of bribery:
Bribery refers to the act of offering, giving, promising, asking, agreeing, receiving, accepting or soliciting something of value or of an advantage so to induce or influence an action or decision
A bribe refers to any inducement, reward or object/item of value offered to another individual to gain commercial, contractual, regulatory or personal advantage.
Bribery is not limited to the act of offering a bribe. If an individual is on the receiving end of a bribe and they accept it, they are also breaking the law.
Bribery is illegal. Employees must not engage in any form of bribery, whether it is directly, passively or through a third party. They must not accept bribes in any degree and if they are uncertain about whether something is a bribe or a gift or an act of hospitality, they must seek advice from their manager.
What is and what is not acceptable
This section of the policy refers to 4 areas:
Gifts and hospitality
Facilitation payments
Political contributions
Charitable contributions
Gifts and hospitality
Inside Avenue Recruitment accepts normal and appreciative gestures of hospitality and goodwill (whether given to/received from third parties) so long as the giving or receiving of gifts meets the following requirements:
It is not made with the intention of influencing the party to whom it is being given, to obtain or reward the retention of a business or a business advantage, or as an explicit or implicit exchange for favours or benefits.
It is not made with the suggestion that a return favour is expected.
It complies with the local law.
It is given in the company's name and not in an individual’s name.
It does not include cash or cash equivalent, for example, a voucher or gift certificate.
It is appropriate for the circumstances; for example, small gifts around Christmas time.
It is of an appropriate type and value and given at an appropriate time, considering the reason for the gift.
It is given/received openly, not secretly.
It is not selectively given to a key, influential person with the clear intention of directly influencing them.
It is not above a certain excessive value as predetermined by the Company Directors.
It is not offered to or accepted by a government official, representative, politician or political party without the prior approval of the Company Directors.
Where it is inappropriate to decline the offer of a gift for example, when meeting with an individual of a certain religion or culture who may take offence, the gift may be accepted so long as it is declared to the company Directors who will assess the circumstances.
Inside Avenue Recruitment recognises that the practice of giving and receiving business gifts varies between countries, regions, cultures and religions, so definitions of what is acceptable and not acceptable will vary for each.
As good practice, gifts given and received should always be disclosed to your manager or the Board of Directors. Gifts from suppliers should always be disclosed.
The intention behind a gift being given/received should always be considered. If there is any uncertainty, the advice of your manager or a Director should be sought.
Facilitation Payments and Kickbacks
Inside Avenue Recruitment does not accept and will not accept any facilitation payments of any nature. We recognise that facilitation payments are a form of bribery that involves expediting or facilitating the performance of a public official or business manager to speed up or secure the performance of a certain duty or action.
Inside Avenue Recruitment does not allow kickbacks to be made or accepted. We recognise that kickbacks are typically made for a business favour or advantage.
Political Contributions
Inside Avenue Recruitment will not make donations, whether in cash, kind or by any other means, to support any political parties or candidates. We recognise this may be perceived as an attempt to gain an improper business advantage.
Charitable Contributions
Inside Avenue Recruitment accepts the act of donating to charities, whether through services, knowledge, time, or direct financial contributions. Any donations made will be liable to full disclosure. Employees must be careful to ensure charitable contributions are not used to facilitate and conceal acts of bribery. We will ensure that all charitable donations are not offered/made without the approval of the Board of Directors.
Employee Responsibilities
As an employee of Inside Avenue Recruitment, you must read, understand and comply with the information contained within this policy and with any training or other anti-bribery and corruption information you are given.
All employees and those under our control are equally responsible for the prevention, detection and reporting of bribery and other forms of corruption. They are required to avoid any activities that could lead to, or imply, a breach of this anti-bribery policy.
If you have reason to believe or suspect that an instance of bribery or corruption has occurred or will occur in the future that breaches this policy, you must notify your manager or the Board of Directors.
If any employee breaches this policy, they will face disciplinary action and could face dismissal for gross misconduct. Inside Avenue Recruitment has the right to terminate a contractual relationship with an employee if they breach this anti-bribery policy.
How to Raise a Concern
If you suspect that there is an instance of bribery or corrupt activities occurring in relation to Inside Avenue Recruitment, you are encouraged to report your concerns as soon as possible. If you are concerned or uncertain, that any action or behaviour could be considered bribery you should speak to your manager or Directors.
What to do if you are a victim of bribery or corruption
You must tell your manager as soon as possible if you are offered a bribe by anyone, if you are asked to make one, if you suspect you may be bribed or asked to make a bribe in the near future, or if you have reason to believe that you are a victim of another corrupt activity.
Protection
If you refuse to accept or offer a bribe or you report a concern relating to potential acts of bribery or corruption, Inside Avenue Recruitment understands you may feel worried about potential repercussions. Inside Avenue Recruitment will support anyone who acts in good faith under this policy, even if an investigation finds that they were mistaken.
Inside Avenue Recruitment will ensure that no one suffers any detrimental treatment as a result of refusing to accept or offer a bribe or other corrupt activities or because they reported a concern relating to an act/acts of bribery or corruption.
If you have reason to believe you have been subjected to unjust treatment as a result of a concern or refusal to accept a bribe you should inform your manager immediately.
Record Keeping
Inside Avenue Recruitment will keep detailed and accurate financial records and will have appropriate internal controls in place to act as evidence for all payments made. We will declare and keep a written record of the amount and reason for hospitality or gifts accepted and give and understand that gifts and acts of hospitality are subject to managerial review.
Publication and Training
All employees will receive training on this policy, and other policies, during their compulsory training.
This policy is available to all staff, suppliers and clients on the company website and training portal.