Bribery policy

Introduction

This paper sets out RoS policy in relation to bribery.  The policy takes account of the updating of bribery legislation in the Bribery Act 2010 and the Civil Service Code of Conduct.

As civil servants, all RoS employees should be aware of the core values of integrity and honesty set out in the Civil Service Code and, in particular, the requirement that civil servants must not accept gifts or hospitality or receive other benefits from someone who might reasonably be seen to compromise our personal judgement or integrity.  Similarly, we should not be influenced by improper pressures from others or the prospect of personal gain.

The Bribery Act 2010 applies to UK citizens, residents and incorporated entities in the UK.  It modernises the law on bribery and creates offences for bribing another person and being bribed. In particular, it creates a new offence in respect of organisations that fail to prevent persons associated with them from bribing on their behalf.  As RoS acts commercially within its trading fund status with other commercial organisations, we must take account of these provisions.

RoS recognises that over and above any criminal charges arising from our specific acts of bribery it may also tarnish our reputation, the reputation of the public sector and that of Scotland in general.  RoS therefore aims to limit our exposure to bribery by:

• setting out an unambiguous anti-bribery policy that applies to all RoS staff and all those acting on our behalf;
• communicating this policy to all staff and those acting on our behalf, and providing appropriate education and training;
• making it easy for staff to report concerns and encouraging them to be vigilant in helping to guard against bribery;
• maintaining robust policies and procedures that decrease the opportunity to offer or receive bribes and increase the likelihood of uncovering any such action; and
• making clear the obligation to self-report any incidence involving RoS or a partner organisation under the Act.

The Policy

RoS and RoS staff will not:

• make or accede to threats;

• agree to accept or actually accept anything that an informed, reasonable third party could perceive as being either -

  • an inducement for RoS to act improperly; or
  • a reward for RoS acting improperly;
• offer, promise or give (whether directly or indirectly) anything likely to be perceived to cause the same in others; and
• continue to deal with any external organisation where reasonable suspicion exists that it may have committed offences under the Bribery Act.

RoS and RoS staff will:

• conduct the relevant due diligence on parties with whom we enter into business arrangements and make it clear from the outset of any such business that we will not tolerate any form of bribery; and
• make a self-disclosure to line management whenever anyone considers that there are reasonable grounds to believe that staff or business partners have committed a breach of the Act and co-operate fully with any ensuing investigation.

RoS commitment

The RoS Board, Executive Management Team and Audit and Risk Committee fully support the implementation and enforcement of the terms of this Policy throughout the organisation.

The RoS Board will formally note the Risk Assessments provided on bribery issues and confirm their contentment with the process annually.

As evidence of the commitment to detect and investigate as well as prevent bribery, the Audit and Risk Committee will ensure it maintains appropriate channels for reporting incidences. These can be found in the RoS Whistleblowing policy.

Scope

Where the word staff is used in this policy, it includes all RoS employees, its non-executive directors, secondees (inward and outward) and those employed by parties contracted to deliver services on our behalf.  In this context, all staff are required to comply with the policy, the Act, the Civil Service Code and the relevant bribery and corruption laws in force in whichever jurisdiction in which they are engaged in business.

Training and Awareness

This policy will be drawn to the attention of staff annually (and will be included in induction material).  Those considered in higher risk positions (namely: international consultancy, procurement, finance, customer services, legal services and the programme office) will receive appropriate training in recognising and dealing with potential situations and sources of bribery and will be given adequate resources to help them prevent these situations from developing.

Enforcement

Business Managers across RoS are responsible for drawing up and enforcing procedures to prevent and detect all sources of fraud (including bribery) within their area of operation.  As a minimum, they will include a statement of intent containing robust procedures within the manuals/operating instructions for international consultancy, procurement, finance, customer services, legal services and the programme office.

Reporting & review

The Departmental Security Group (DSG) had been designated the body to monitor the policy and will hold (at least annually) a session dedicated to the topics of Fraud and Bribery.

DSG will review the control and reporting measures employed in order to check they are fit for purpose, consider the training and resources provided, request reports on the nature of overseas work conducted and new business considered. From this, it will report to the Board in the form of a risk assessment.  In turn, the Board will consider if this process provides the assurance required.

Further clarification

This policy is not designed to prohibit the following, provided they are reasonable:

• the offer of hospitality to customers/suppliers/external contacts that may reasonably be expected to be reciprocated;
• the presentation of ceremonial and token marketing gifts; and
• the use of legitimate, fast-track services available to anyone.

All managers are expected to recognise the implications of the policy and the limits of their discretion.  Where they legally act outside set procedures, a clearly stated and defendable business case (noting the risks of such actions) must be presented in writing to the Executive Management Team and the Business Manager responsible for the procedures