Anti-Bribery Policy

POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy of The Christopher Meredith Foundation to conduct business in an honest and ethical manner. We take a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption and are committed to acting professionally, fairly and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships and apply appropriate systems to counter bribery.

PURPOSE

The Christopher Meredith Foundation will uphold all laws relevant to countering bribery and corruption in all the jurisdictions in which it conducts business, including, in the UK, the Bribery Act 2010 (the Act), which applies to conduct both in the UK and abroad.

SCOPE AND APPLICABILITY

This policy applies to all individuals working for or on behalf of The Christopher Meredith Foundation at all levels and grades, whether permanent, fixed-term or temporary, and wherever located, including consultants, contractors, seconded staff, casual staff, agency staff, volunteers, agents, sponsors and any other person who performs services for or on behalf of The Christopher Meredith Foundation. 

In this policy, Third Party means any individual or organisation that employees encounter whilst performing their roles running the business, and includes actual and potential clients or partners, intermediaries, referrers of work, suppliers, distributors, business contacts, agents, advisers, government, and public bodies (including their advisers, representatives, and officials), politicians and political parties.

WHAT IS BRIBERY?

A bribe is an inducement or reward offered, promised, or provided to improperly gain any commercial, contractual, regulatory, or personal advantage, which may constitute an offence under the Act, namely:

  • giving or offering a bribe.
  • receiving or requesting a bribe; or
  • bribing a foreign public official.

The Christopher Meredith Foundation may also be liable under the Act if it fails to prevent bribery by an associated person (including but not limited to Employees) for the Company’s benefit.

GIFTS AND HOSPITALITY 

This policy does not prohibit normal and appropriate gifts and hospitality (given and received) to or from Third Parties unless otherwise specifically stated. This means that any gift or hospitality:

  • must not be made with the intention of improperly influencing a Third Party or Worker to obtain or retain business or a business advantage, or to reward the provision or retention of business or a business advantage, or in explicit or implicit exchange for favours or benefits.
  • must comply with local law in all relevant countries.
  • must be given in the name of the organisation, not in an individual’s name.
  • must not include cash or a cash equivalent.
  • must be appropriate in the circumstances.
  • must be of an appropriate type and value and given at an appropriate time considering the reason for the gift.
  • must be given openly, not secretly; and
  • in the case of gifts, they must not be offered to, or accepted from, government officials or representatives, politicians, or political parties, without the prior approval of either the Trustees or Head of Governance.
  • We appreciate that the practice of giving business gifts varies between countries and regions and what may be normal and acceptable in one region may not be in another. The test to be applied is whether in all the circumstances the gift or hospitality is reasonable and justifiable both in the UK and any other relevant country. The intention behind the gift should always be considered.

WHAT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE? 

It is not acceptable for any employee (or someone on their behalf) to:

  • give, promise to give, or offer, a payment, gift or hospitality with the expectation or hope that they or the company will improperly be given a business advantage, or as a reward for a business advantage already improperly given.
  • give, promise to give, or offer, a payment, gift or hospitality to a government official, agent or representative to facilitate or expedite a routine procedure.
  • accept payment from a Third Party where it is known or suspected that it is offered or given with the expectation that the Third Party will improperly obtain a business advantage.
  • accept a gift or hospitality from a Third Party where it is known or suspected that it is offered or provided with an expectation that a business advantage will be improperly provided by The Christopher Meredith Foundation in return.
  • threaten or retaliate against another employee who has refused to commit a bribery offence or who has raised concerns under this policy; or
  • engage in any activity that might lead to a breach of this policy.

FACILITATION PAYMENTS AND KICKBACKS 

We do not make, and will not accept, facilitation payments or “kickbacks” of any kind, such as small, unofficial payments made to secure or expedite a routine government action by a government official, or payments made in return for a business favour or advantage.

CHARITABLE DONATIONS AND SPONSORSHIP 

The Christopher Meredith Foundation, as not for profit organisation, only makes charitable donations and provides sponsorships that are legal and ethical under local laws and practices and which are in accordance with our internal policies and procedures.

RECORD KEEPING 

We keep appropriate financial records and have appropriate internal controls in place which evidence the business reason for gifts, hospitality and payments made and received.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND RAISING CONCERNS 

  • The prevention, detection and reporting of bribery and other forms of corruption are the responsibility of all employees of those under our control. All employees are required to avoid any activity that might lead to, or suggest, a breach of this policy.
  • Employees are required to notify the Trustees or Head of Governance as soon as possible if it is believed or suspected that a conflict with this policy has occurred, or may occur in the future, or if they are offered a bribe, are asked to make one, suspect that this may happen in the future, or believe that they are a victim of another form of unlawful activity.
  • Any employee who breaches this policy may face disciplinary action, which could result in dismissal for gross misconduct.
  • We reserve our right to terminate our contractual relationship with non-employee Third Parties if they breach this policy.
  • If any Third Party is aware of any activity by any employee which might lead to, or suggest, a breach of this policy, they should raise their concerns with their Head of Governance, Derek Waterman at [email protected]  

TRAINING AND COMMUNICATION 

Training on this policy is provided for all employees and our zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption will, where appropriate, be communicated to clients, suppliers, contractors, and partners.

MONITORING AND REVIEW 

The Christopher Meredith Foundation monitors the effectiveness and reviews the implementation of this policy at appropriate intervals, considering its suitability, adequacy and effectiveness. Any improvements identified are made as soon as possible. Internal control systems and procedures are also subject to regular review to provide assurance that they are effective in countering any risks of bribery and corruption.

All Employees are aware that they are responsible for the success of this policy and should ensure they use it to disclose any suspected danger or wrongdoing.