ABAC™ CoE conducts its business professionally, with integrity and in compliance with the laws of those jurisdictions in which it operates. Our reputation for acting fairly is built on our values as a company and the values of our employees. As part of our commitment to ethical business practices, we will not tolerate acts of bribery or corruption. Our Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption (ABAC™) Policy ensures that ABAC™ CoE personnel, and those acting on our behalf, behave in a manner that is consistent with anti-bribery and corruption laws in all countries in which ABAC™ CoE does business.
At ABAC Center of Excellence Limited, herein referred to as ABAC Certification, we are committed to maintaining high standards of honesty, integrity, business ethics and corporate governance in line with laws and regulations in the jurisdictions ABAC Certification operates. Our Code of Ethics and Behaviours outlines the standards and behaviours that ABAC Certification upholds as a corporate entity to ensure that the highest standards of honesty and integrity are maintained. This has become more desirable and important because of the emergence of anti-bribery and corruption legislations worldwide and international commitments to curb the menace of Bribery and corruption. ABAC Certification has a zero-tolerance approach for giving or receiving bribes or corrupt payments. To receive and/or give bribes and become an aide to corrupt practices is prohibited, whether committed by employees or anyone else acting for and on the Company’s behalf. This Policy sets out what is and is not acceptable in general terms, but in case of any doubt as to whether any conduct could amount to Bribery and corrupt practice, the matter should be referred to the designated officer, the Scheme Function for this Policy. It is essential that you read, understand, and comply with this Policy. This Policy also clarifies and identifies practices which could potentially violate anti-bribery and corruption laws in the respective countries where ABAC Certification operates. Nevertheless, this Policy aims to acquaint and familiarise the employees and all associated persons with rules that ABAC Certification is committed to follow to contribute significantly to preventing and controlling Bribery and corruption. However, it is not intended to equip you to function as your legal counsel. Instead, it will help you recognise when you need to seek the advice of our designated officer. I expect you to give these requirements your careful attention in performing your duties. ZAFAR ANJUM Group CEO ABAC Center of Excellence Limited Policy Date: September 12, 2022
CRI-POL-007, Rev.4.0, Date 12-09-202
Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption Center of Excellence Limited (“Company”), herein referred to as ABAC™ CoE and/or ABAC Certification, is committed to applying the highest standards of ethical conduct, integrity, and corporate governance in its business activities. Every employee, individual and entity acting on ABAC™ CoE’s behalf is responsible for conducting the Company’s business honestly and professionally and being compliant with the legal framework.
ABAC™ CoE believes that Bribery, corruption, and corrupt practices have detrimental impacts not only on business by undermining good governance and distorting free markets but, on a larger spectrum, damaging societal setup economically. Corruption is a complex phenomenon with economic, social, political and cultural dimensions which cannot be easily eliminated.
ABAC™ CoE carries out business transparent and ethically and strives to ensure honest, open, and fair competition in its business spheres. To comply with respective laws and regulations regarding Bribery, corruption and corrupt practices, ABAC™ CoE can lead the market through innovation and by delivering excellent services and products to its customers.
ABAC™ CoE has zero tolerance for any form of Bribery, corruption and corrupt practices by its employees or any persons or companies acting for or on its behalf. The CEO is committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems to prevent, monitor and eliminate Bribery, corruption, and corrupt practices under the laws of the countries where ABAC™ CoE conducts its business. Besides, ABAC™ CoE endeavours to seek guidance from international legal instruments adopted by the United Nations, European Union, and the OECD.
ABAC™ CoE Anti-Bribery and Corruption policy not only applies to all its employees but also encompasses the individuals and entities with whom the Company deals. For effective implementation of this Policy, the employees working at ABAC™ CoE must get acquainted and familiarise themselves with it and comply with it. To flourish an anti-bribery and corruption culture in the Company, the employees and others acting for and on behalf of ABAC™ CoE are strictly prohibited from making, soliciting, or receiving any sort of bribes or unauthorised payments indulged in corrupt practices.
Nonetheless, an employee’s breach of Anti-Bribery and Corruption policy will be treated as grounds for disciplinary action, which may result in gross misconduct and immediate dismissal, exposing the responsible to other penal consequences under the laws. Employees and other individuals acting for ABAC CoE should be mindful that Bribery is a criminal offence that may result in the imposition of penalties/fines, which may vary in different jurisdictions under their respective laws.
ABAC™ CoE abstains from conducting business with service providers, agents or representatives that do not adhere to and support the ABAC™ CoE’s anti-bribery and anti-corruption Policy and objectives. The success of ABAC™ CoE’s anti-bribery measures depend on everyone playing their role in helping to detect and eradicate Bribery. Hence, all employees and others acting for, or on behalf of, ABAC™ CoE are encouraged and expected to report any suspicious activity to the Company’s designated officer.
1.1. Anti-Bribery Anti-Corruption Center of Excellence Limited (“Company”), herein referred to as ABAC CoE and/or ABAC Certification, is committed to adhering to the highest standards of business conduct, ethics and being compliant with the law and regulatory regime is determined to play its role to address, control and prevent the menace of bribery and corrupt practices. Company fully cognizant of its corporate social responsibility has devised this policy keeping in view the local and international laws relating to Bribery and corruption to aid Company’s CEO and staff in always ensuring strict compliance with relevant anti-bribery and corruption laws. In implementing this Policy, the Company will demonstrate its urge to preventing Bribery and corruption and establishing a zero-tolerance approach to Bribery and corruption in all aspects of its operational areas and business spheres.
1.2. This Policy aims to ensure compliance with anti-bribery and corruption legislation in the jurisdictions the Company operates; and provide a consistent, proportionate, and effective approach to anti-bribery and corruption through an effective and viable framework of core requirements and a set of minimum standards.
2.1. The ABAC CoE’s Anti-Bribery Policy is mandatory for all its employees, agents, intermediaries, consultants, distributors, sub-contractors, suppliers, and Joint Venture partners working on the Company’s behalf anywhere in the world (“Business Partners”). Our franchise partners are also expected to conduct themselves under the standards set out in this Policy.
2.2. It is important to read and comply with this Policy. The prevention, detection, and reporting of any bribery in any form is the responsibility of all employees across the ABAC CoE and all individuals and entities over which ABAC CoE has control. Appropriate confidential channels for employees and Business Partners are in place to report any suspicion of Bribery, these are described later in this Policy. Any failure to comply with this Policy will be treated seriously and may result in disciplinary legal action.
Any act of Bribery and corruption, in whatever form is unacceptable. A legal disciplinary action against anyone who fails to comply with this Policy will be taken which may result into dismissal from service and expose the responsible to penal consequences under respective laws.
A breach of this Policy by an employee or business associate could result in the Company breaching the law. An omission or commission of an act constitutes an offence under the law of jurisdiction ABAC CoE operates can result in the business being fined and would likely lead to negative publicity and serious damage to the reputation of the Company’s brand.
Any individual, Company, firm acting as an agent, paid by the Company, acting on the Company’s behalf in doing any act entrusted and/or negotiating with Third Parties.
An act done with intent to give some advantage inconsistent with law and wrongful or unlawful use of official position to procure some benefit or personal gain.
A bribe is a financial advantage or other reward offered to, given to, or received by an individual or Company (whether directly or indirectly) to induce or influence that individual or Company to perform public or corporate functions or duties improperly.
Bribery occurs when one person offers, pays, seeks, or accepts a payment, gift, favour, or a financial or other advantage from another to influence a business outcome improperly, to induce or reward improper conduct or to gain any commercial, contractual, regulatory, or personal advantage. It can be direct or indirect through Third Parties.
A corrupt practice is the offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting, directly or indirectly, anything of value to influence improperly the actions of another party. Corrupt practice(s) is a series of depraved/debased/morally degenerated acts.
All subsidiaries and affiliated companies.
Occurs when an individual or organisation is involved in multiple interests, one of which could corrupt, or be perceived to corrupt, the motivation for an act in another.
A Donation is a voluntary contribution in the form of monetary or non-monetary gifts to a fund or cause for which no return service or payment is expected or made. Contributions to industry associations or fees for memberships in organisations that serve business interests are not necessarily considered Donations.
For this Policy this includes all individuals working at all levels, including senior managers, officers, directors, employees (whether permanent, fixed-term or temporary), consultants, contractors, trainees, seconded staff, home-workers, casual workers and agency staff, volunteers, interns, agents, sponsors, or any other person associated with ABAC CoE, or any of its subsidiaries or joint ventures or their employees, wherever they are located.
A form of Bribery in which small payments are made to expedite or facilitate a public official’s performance of a routine governmental action and not to obtain or retain business or any other undue advantage. Low- and low-income public officials typically demand facilitation payments in exchange for providing services to which one is legally entitled without such payments.
Invitations given or received to social functions, sporting events, meals and entertainment, gifts, or customary tokens of appreciation.
Includes but is not limited to Agents, distributors, consultants, sales representatives, implementation partners, sales partners.
A bribe to obtain an undue advantage, where a portion of the undue advantage is ‘kicked backed’ to the person who gave, or is supposed to give, the undue advantage.
Officials or employees of any government or other public body, agency, or legal entity, at any level, including officers or employees of state-owned enterprises and officers or employees of enterprises which are mandated by a public body or a state-owned enterprise to administrate public functions.
Sponsorship is about partnering with external organisations to deliver mutual benefits through an exchange of monies, products, services, content, or other intellectual property.
Any individual or organisation you contact during your work for ABAC CoE. This includes actual and potential customers, suppliers, business contacts, Intermediaries, government and public bodies, advisors, representatives and officials, politicians, and political parties.