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Help with UK Bribery act compliance

UK Bribery act non-compliance

The UK Bribery Act 2010 is one of the strictest anti-corruption laws in the world. It criminalizes both active and passive bribery, applies to individuals and businesses, and has global jurisdiction for UK-related entities.

Key Offenses Under the Act

  1. Bribing Another Person (Section 1) – Offering, promising, or giving a bribe to gain an improper advantage.
  2. Being Bribed (Section 2) – Requesting, agreeing to receive, or accepting a bribe.
  3. Bribery of Foreign Public Officials (Section 6) – Offering a bribe to influence an official to obtain business advantages.
  4. Failure to Prevent Bribery (Section 7) – Companies can be held liable if employees, agents, or subsidiaries engage in bribery unless “adequate procedures” are in place to prevent it.

Jurisdiction & Penalties

  • Applies to UK citizens, residents, and companies, even if the bribery happens abroad.
  • Individuals can face up to 10 years in prison and unlimited fines.
  • Companies can receive unlimited fines and be barred from public contracts.

Adequate Procedures Defense

Businesses can defend themselves against Section 7 charges by showing they had “adequate procedures” in place to prevent bribery. The UK Ministry of Justice provides guidance on this, including:

  • Risk assessments
  • Due diligence
  • Staff training
  • Clear anti-bribery policies

Would you like help applying this to forensic accounting or risk assessments for your clients?

UK Bribery act non-compliance

We are offering spaces at our webinar on the risks of non-Compliance to the UK Bribery act for your organisation.

This is at the low price of £50 per invite. The webinar is geared to the Executive Team, Finance , Audit, Compliance or Legal professionals. If you are interested then please contact us below:

Click on the link to get guidance on the UK Bribery Act.

Our forensic accounting services are focused on the independent analysis of financial information in disputes, investigations, and other contentious matters. We assist by reviewing accounting records and bank statements, tracing transactions and funds flows, identifying financial irregularities, quantifying losses, analysing profits and business performance, preparing valuation and damages schedules, and presenting complex financial issues in a clear and structured way for solicitors, businesses, insurers, and private clients. Where required, this work may also support expert witness instructions. Our approach is informed by recognised professional and expert witness bodies including the ICAEW Forensic & Expert Witness Community, the Academy of Experts, and the Expert Witness Institute. We do not provide legal advice or act as legal representatives.

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