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1. Module 1. What bribery is and the law

   Bribery means offering, giving, asking for or accepting something of value to make someone do their job improperly. It damages businesses, distorts competition and is a serious crime.

   What you will learn

   • Explain what bribery and corruption are.
   • Describe the main offences under the Bribery Act 2010.
   • Explain how a business can be liable for its staff's actions.

   Key points

   • A bribe is anything of value used to make someone act improperly in their job.
   • Facilitation payments are bribes.
   • Offering and accepting bribes are both offences, with up to 10 years in prison.
   • A business can be guilty if someone working for it bribes, unless it had adequate procedures to prevent it.

   Based on: Bribery Act 2010; Ministry of Justice guidance on adequate procedures (2011).

2. Module 2. Gifts, hospitality and conflicts of interest

   Not every gift or meal is a bribe. Normal, reasonable hospitality is part of business. The question is whether it could influence, or look like it could influence, a decision.

   What you will learn

   • Decide whether a gift or hospitality is acceptable.
   • Follow a gifts and hospitality register.
   • Recognise and declare conflicts of interest.

   Key points

   • Consider intention, timing, value, frequency, openness and recipient.
   • Cash, vouchers and gifts during a tender are not acceptable.
   • Record gifts and hospitality in the register.
   • Declare conflicts of interest and never offer anything to a public official.

   Based on: Bribery Act 2010; Ministry of Justice guidance on adequate procedures (2011).

3. Module 3. Prevention, red flags and speaking up

   The best protection against bribery is a clear policy, good checks and staff who feel safe to speak up.

   What you will learn

   • Describe the adequate procedures a business should have.
   • Recognise red flags.
   • Report concerns and know you are protected.

   Key points

   • A clear policy, top-level commitment, risk assessment, due diligence, training and review protect the business.
   • Watch for red flags: cash, vague fees, secrecy and pressure.
   • Report concerns quickly, with the facts, and do not investigate yourself.
   • People who speak up in good faith are protected by law.

   Based on: Bribery Act 2010; Ministry of Justice guidance on adequate procedures (2011); Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

HygieneReady certificates confirm completion of training. They are not a regulated qualification. Definitions of the key terms are in the glossary.