ASOSH is committed to conducting its business in line with all applicable laws and the highest ethical standards. We have zero tolerance for bribery and corruption in any form.
Purpose
This policy confirms our commitment to full compliance with anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws, our clients’ requirements and our own Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. It provides practical rules for everyone who works for or on behalf of ASOSH.
Scope
The policy applies to every employee of ASOSH, including senior executives and financial officers, to members of the board, and to accredited training centres, contractors, suppliers, consultants and agents acting on our behalf. It supplements, and does not replace, local law.
What bribery and corruption mean
Corruption is the misuse of public or entrusted power for private gain. Bribery is offering, promising or giving cash, gifts, excessive hospitality or any other inducement to a person in a position of trust in order to influence their conduct or to obtain an improper advantage. It can take many forms, including:
- cash payments or kickbacks;
- fake jobs or “consulting” relationships;
- political or charitable contributions made to obtain an advantage;
- gifts, travel, hospitality or reimbursement of expenses;
- issuing, or asking for, a certificate without a genuine assessment.
Policy requirements
ASOSH personnel and agents must never offer, pay, promise or authorise — directly or through a third party — any payment or thing of value to any person in order to:
- cause them to act, or fail to act, in breach of a legal duty;
- cause them to abuse or misuse their position; or
- secure an improper advantage, contract or concession for ASOSH or anyone else.
This applies equally to public officials and to people in the private sector. Our books and records must accurately record the amount and a written description of every transaction, and the description must match its substance.
Specific procedures govern higher-risk activities such as sponsored travel, dealings with government bodies and state-owned entities, meals, gifts and entertainment for officials, charitable donations and political contributions — see also our gifts and entertainment policy.
Certificates and assessments
An ASOSH certificate must only ever be issued after a genuine assessment. Offering or accepting any payment or favour to pass a candidate, alter a result or issue a certificate without training is a serious breach of this policy and of our centre agreement.
Audits
ASOSH may audit its own operations, accredited centres and contractors at any time, internally or through independent third parties, to confirm that this policy is being followed. Audit findings include improvement action plans.
Reporting concerns
Anyone who suspects bribery or corruption must report it to ASOSH management at [email protected]. Reports are treated confidentially and nobody will suffer for raising a genuine concern in good faith.
No waivers and discipline
There is no permitted deviation from this policy. Employees who breach it, fail to report a known breach or obstruct an investigation will face disciplinary action, which may include dismissal. Contracts with centres, agents or suppliers who breach it may be terminated.