While considering ISO 37001 Certification and standards, you will have to consider those that will help your company lay and build foundations for stable growth in growing markets. Though they are not mandatory, ISO standards are increasingly required by government and local authorities everywhere.
A standard like the 37001 is popular all over the world as it brings in a host of benefits like great market potential and better efficiency and savings. It also improves staff morale and enhances the brand image of your company by speaking of the values of your company.
Though compliance with ISO 37001 cannot guarantee that bribery will not occur in any organisation, the standard can help establish that the organisation has implemented reasonable measures to prevent bribery. It will also confirm that any new partners that you take on are ethical and don’t pose a threat to your company.
The risks could be enormous if your potential partners are involved in criminal activities. Not only could you be involved in corrupt practices and be investigated by law enforcement authorities, but you could also have your reputation ruined permanently.
How does Certification help?
Having ISO 37001 Certification means that a third-party such as ABAC Center of Excellence has checked out on the company and confirmed that your partners have implemented the following anti-bribery standards:
- Annual and continuous risk-assessment
- Anti-bribery policies and procedures, including those for hospitality, gift-giving, and donations
- Anti-bribery training for employees
- Procedures for reporting and investigating cases of bribery in the company
- A compliance team to oversee implementation of anti-bribery measures
- Policies and procedures for mitigating the risk of bribery
- Safe channels for reporting bribery by whistleblowers
- The proper due diligence of third parties
- Continuous corrections of anti-bribery policies and procedures
- The commitment of top management to tackle bribery in their own company
- Risk-rating system for third parties
ISO 37001 Certification around the world
- UK
The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) is the sole National Accreditation Body for the United Kingdom. Specifically aimed at bribery, ISO 37001:2016 sets out the requirements for management systems that prevent, detect and respond to bribery and comply with anti-bribery laws and voluntary commitments applicable to its activities.
- USA
Bribery and corruption are pervasive in Western countries including the U.S., and they require comprehensive measures to make an impact and lessen their effects. ISO 37001 provides solutions that any organisation can implement with the positives of decreased risk, decreased liability and better financial protection.
- Malaysia
The ISO 37001:2016 provides guidance for establishing, implementing, maintaining, reviewing and improving an anti-bribery management system. It sets out requirements and provides guidance for a management system to help an organisation to prevent, detect and respond to bribery and comply with anti-bribery laws.
- Singapore
The Singapore Standard (SS) ISO 37001 on anti-bribery management systems is a voluntary standard designed to help companies establish, implement, maintain and improve their anti-bribery compliance programmes. It includes a series of measures which represents globally recognised anti-bribery good practice that companies can implement.
- France
The ISO 37001 Certification in France helps businesses assess their internal anti corruption processes. The standard specifies requirements for an anti-bribery management system to prevent, detect and respond to bribery and commitment to comply with anti bribery laws applicable to an organisation.
- Germany
ISO 37001 is the international standard for anti-bribery management systems. It provides a framework for German businesses to assess their internal anti-corruption processes and address any weaknesses. It can be beneficial for organisations in areas where bribery is a known risk-factor.
- Russia
The ISO 37001 standard has been created, based on international best practices, and helps organisations reduce the risks associated with possible corruption. It provides for the adoption of a organised approach to prevent and deter corruption.
- China
Although it is not mandatory for organisations to adopt it, the Anti-bribery Management System Shenzhen Standard is the first domestic anti-bribery standard document for organisations in China. It is a significant milestone in China’s fight against bribery and lists some improper benefits, such as property, jobs, and loans. Bribery here isn’t necessarily restricted to money but can also be any forms of value, including but not limited to special information and job opportunities.
- Canada
ISO 37001 in Canada focuses on preventing the risk of bribery throughout the operations and across value chains in organisations. It acts as an effective tool to help organisations combat the risk of bribery and maintain customer trust.
- Africa
The ISO 37001 Certification provides a practical strategy for assessing bribery risks in companies in Africa. It can reduce bribery risks, meet statutory obligations, and build a workplace culture of integrity by implementing and certifying their Anti-Bribery Management System.
- Brazil
ISO 37001 in Brazil helps reduce risks and corporate costs related to bribery by providing a viable business structure for organisations to prevent, detect and treat bribery. The standard helps organisations tackle bribery through a culture of integrity, transparency and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
If you haven’t certified your company with the ISO 37001 Anti-bribery Management Systems standards yet, but you want to show your potential partners that you are serious about running a bribery-free business, GET A FREE QUOTE or CONTACT US to discuss your anti-bribery, risk and compliance needs.
About ABAC® Center of Excellence
ABAC® is an independent certification body powered by CRI Group. ABAC® Center of Excellence offers a complete suite of services and solutions designed to educate, equip and support the world’s leading business organisations with the latest best-in-practice risk and performance assessments, systems improvement and standards certification.
ABAC® programs protect your organisation from damaging litigation & safeguard your business in the global marketplace by providing certification & training in internationally recognised ISO standards, such as ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery Management Systems, ISO 37301 Compliance Management Systems and ISO 31000 Risk Management Systems.
ABAC Certification is a subject specialist Accredited Certification Body accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service UKAS, Emirates International Accreditation Center (EIAC) and Department of Standards Malaysia.
