With the UK Bribery Act 2010 now in force, companies have an opportunity to boost their employees’ compliance with travel and hospitality policies, according to BSI’s Trevor Elswood.
The managing director of the events specialist suggested that while noone will welcome the red tape, the act could prompt another level of internal validation which will ultimately benefit compliance.
“The act encourages compliance with preferred channels, and therefore represents good business governance,” he said.
“It brings the additional transparency sought by procurement and senior executives, and will therefore encourage the combat of maverick spend.”
The new act came into force on July 1, 2011, prompting many companies to question whether current internal processes were enough.
Responding to fears that the acceptance of a free lunch could be seen as corporate bribery, Elswood urged corporates not to “stigmatise” hospitality.
If the policing of anti-bribery becomes part of travel and entertainment policy, companies should have nothing to worry about.
Elswood also suggested combining the recording and authorisation of booking hospitality with anti-bribery checks – a role third parties such as travel management companies (TMCs) and hotel booking agencies (HBAs) could fulfil.
“Agencies are perfectly placed to inform employees, educate them about company policy and track their activity,” he said.
“HBAs and TMCs can be highly effective in applying governance to these policies.”
BSI has teamed up with Travel Intelligence Network to publish a white paper on the UK Bribery Act and why it could prove a positive influence on corporate travel and meetings.
In the publication, BSI also recommends a number of steps for both travel buyers and hospitality providers to take.
These included ensruing effective controls are in place around the offering and acceptance of gifts, entertainment and hospitality, and creating a register to record them.
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