Fiducia TogetherBribery and corruption
The Bribery Act, and the corporate offence of failing to prevent it.
Please note: This page explains what a term means. It is general information, not legal, financial, tax or investment advice, and it does not know anything about your business. Before you sign, file or commit to anything, check it with an accountant, a solicitor, or the official guidance we link to.
What it means
The Bribery Act 2010 creates offences of offering, receiving and bribing a foreign official, and a corporate offence of failing to prevent bribery by an associated person.
Why it matters
The corporate offence is strict liability with one defence: having adequate procedures in place. That defence is the reason small businesses need a policy at all.
What it looks like in practice
"Adequate procedures" are proportionate to risk: a policy, risk assessment, top-level commitment, due diligence on agents and partners, training, and review.\n\nHospitality is not prohibited; disproportionate or improperly intended hospitality is.
What to watch out for
Agents and intermediaries overseas. The company is liable for a bribe paid by someone performing services on its behalf, and "we did not know" is not the defence.
Where to get proper advice
The Ministry of Justice's guidance, free and written for smaller organisations.
Where to read more
Last reviewed 2026-08-28 by Fiducia Together · Next review due 2027-08-28
Please note: This page explains what a term means. It is general information, not legal, financial, tax or investment advice, and it does not know anything about your business. Before you sign, file or commit to anything, check it with an accountant, a solicitor, or the official guidance we link to.