The Bribery Act 2010 has introduced general offences of bribery and corruption that apply to directors, managers and other individuals, as well as the public and private sector organisations that they are connected with.
Corporate entities convicted of an offence under the Act could face unlimited fines – and reputational harm. For convicted individuals, penalties can include up to ten years’ imprisonment and/or unlimited fines.
Compliance with the Bribery Act 2010
Both commercial and public organisations alike are required under the legislation to undertake 'adequate procedures' to prevent employees and individuals associated with the organisation from involvement with bribery and related corruption activities.
The Act does not just affect UK companies and business people, but extends worldwide, provided there is a UK business connection.
The Act creates new criminal offences and extends to bribes occurring anywhere in the world. Companies whose business involves interaction with government authorities in all parts of the world will therefore be at serious risk of criminal liability, if they or someone acting on their behalf give any kind of advantage, however small, to a public official so they act ‘improperly’, or so as to influence a decision for their own business ends.
Bribery Act 2010 training
Hill Dickinson’s team of bribery experts provides pragmatic advice to businesses and organisations in the UK and internationally on all aspects of English anti-bribery legislation. To help you protect your organisation, our service extends from preventative advice to the defence of allegations.
We offer a range of services to suit your organisation’s specific needs in ensuring compliance with the legislation:
- Ethics audit and risk assessment: a comprehensive review of existing policies and procedures with specific recommendations.
- Anti-bribery pack: a fixed-fee service providing an anti-bribery policy and practical guidance on complying with the legislation’s 'adequate procedures' requirement.
- Bespoke training: updating or devising new training programmes for employees of all levels.
Testimonial on Bribery Act training
"The standard of the delivery and the accompanying documentation, which was tailored to our business, was of the highest standard and was easily understandable at all levels. We then asked Tim Thomas to write an anti-bribery policy which we have now introduced. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Hill Dickinson to anyone considering running a similar course." Ian Roberts, Managing Director, Flamco UK Ltd
Key contacts
- Telephone
- +44 (0) 161 817 7260
- jeff.middleton@hilldickinson.com
In addition to a raft of internal promotions, Hill
Dickinson LLP’s Liverpool office also acquired a team of four from
Halliwells led by Kerstie Skeaping, adding significant experience
in tribunal hearings, and in trade union matters and industrial
relations. Jeff Middleton now leads the team.
This
team has a strong reputation for advising NHS clients, and it
continues to grow on the corporate side, too. Recent highlights
include representing the Law Society in High Court proceedings
relating to TUPE. Other notable clients include Leeds Teaching
Hospitals NHS Trust, Iceland Foods and the North West Development
Agency.
