Bribery is a global risk that can lead to severe legal penalties, massive fines, and irreparable damage to your reputation. ISO 37001:2016 provides the internationally recognized framework to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve an Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS).

We help your organization implement a robust defense against corruption, demonstrating due diligence to partners, regulators, and the global market.

Why Implement ISO 37001?

Implementing an ABMS is not just about compliance; it's a strategic necessity to protect your organization's integrity and future.

• Legal Compliance and Risk Mitigation: The system provides a structured process to meet legal, regulatory, and voluntary anti-bribery commitments, significantly reducing the likelihood of corrupt practices and associated penalties. It requires you to identify, analyze, and evaluate bribery risks specific to your operations, especially in high-risk areas like procurement, sales, and dealing with third parties.

• Demonstrate Due Diligence: Certification provides objective evidence to global stakeholders, business partners, and financial institutions that you have taken reasonable and proportionate measures to prevent bribery. This is essential for competitive advantage in the international market and for winning large contracts.

• Culture of Integrity: The standard mandates clear policies, procedures, and controls, embedding an organizational culture where bribery is not tolerated, starting from the Leadership commitment.

The Core Pillars of Your Anti-Bribery System

ISO 37001 follows the High-Level Structure (HLS), allowing seamless integration with your existing ISO systems (e.g., 9001, 45001). The key requirements revolve around preventive controls:

1. Anti-Bribery Policy & Leadership: Top management must establish a formal Anti-Bribery Policy and clearly assign a Compliance Function (person or committee) with sufficient authority and independence to oversee the ABMS.

2. Risk Assessment: You must conduct regular, systematic bribery risk assessments for all operations, projects, and business associates. This determines the level, type, and nature of controls required.

3. Due Diligence: Implement procedures for conducting due diligence on personnel (especially those in high-risk roles) and third parties (e.g., agents, consultants, joint venture partners) before entering into or continuing relationships.

4. Financial and Non-Financial Controls: Establish controls to prevent the system from being circumvented. This includes:

   • Implementing appropriate financial controls to prevent hidden payments (e.g., ensuring all transactions are recorded accurately).

   • Controlling the offering and acceptance of gifts, hospitality, donations, and similar benefits.

   • Establishing clear procedures for the management of third parties.

5. Reporting and Investigation: Implement a trusted and confidential reporting mechanism (whistleblowing) and establish a clear process for promptly and thoroughly investigating all alleged or suspected instances of bribery.

6. Training and Awareness: Ensure all relevant personnel and business associates are adequately trained on the Anti-Bribery Policy and their roles and responsibilities within the ABMS.

Our ISO 37001 Advisory Approach

Our consultation service is designed to make your anti-bribery defenses robust and certifiable:

1. Baseline Review: We conduct a deep-dive assessment of your current policies, procedures, and controls against all ISO 37001 requirements.

2. Risk Profiling: We facilitate workshops to identify your specific, high-risk operational areas and help you formalize your risk register using the standard's methodology.

3. ABMS Development: We assist in drafting the mandatory Anti-Bribery Policy, defining the roles of the Compliance Function, and developing essential controls, including due diligence and financial controls.

4. Implementation Support: We provide training for your management and staff, and guide the rollout of the new policies, ensuring the ABMS is operational and embedded in daily practice.

5. Certification Readiness: We manage the internal audit and management review processes to ensure all documentation is complete and verifiable, preparing you fully for the successful external certification audit.

Protect your brand. Protect your business. Implement ISO 37001.