ISO 37001 - Anti-Bribery Management System

 

What is ISO 37001?

ISO 37001 is designed to help your organization implement an anti-bribery management system, or enhance the system controls you currently have. It can be utilised to reduce the risk of bribery occurring and can demonstrate to your stakeholders that you have implemented internationally recognized good-practice anti-bribery control within your organisation.

Once certified, organisations can proudly promote themselves as certificate holders in any of their promotional materials and can include the URS certification logo free of charge.

 

Who requires an ISO 37001 certification?

Any organisation aiming to proactively combat bribery and establish a robust anti-bribery management system should consider becoming certified for ISO 37001. Organisations that fall into public, private and not for profit sectors would also benefit from this standard.

 

How can a ISO 37001 certification benefit your business?

Becoming certified for ISO 37001 can bring a wide range of benefits to your organisation, including:

 

• Mitigating risks


• Increased efficiency of operations


• Enhanced employee awareness


• Improved stakeholder confidence

How can you prepare for ISO 37001 Certification?

Although the thought of starting the certification process may seem daunting, there are a variety of steps you can take to make the process to becoming certified far more streamlined:

 

• Familiarise yourself with the ISO 37001 standard


• Develop an anti-bribery policy


• Provide ISO 37001 training to all staff members


• Carry out a risk assessment to highlight areas that do not comply with the standard

What are the key requirements ISO 37001?

When working towards becoming certified for ISO 37001, there are various areas that will be a focus during the audit. These areas include:

 

• Due diligence


• Financial controls


• Third-party management


• Anti-bribery policy

What clauses make up the structure of ISO 37001?

 

Clauses 1-3 – Introductory clauses:

The first three clauses of ISO 37001 provide an introduction to the standard scope and outline the sectors in which it can be applied to. The accompanying clauses provide the names of other standards that are referenced in ISO 37001, as well as a list of the terms and definitions that are used throughout the document.

 

Clause 4 – Context of the organisation:

Clause 4 confirms the role of the anti-bribery system within the organisation and encourages further exploration of the external and internal issues that may arise. This is encouraged through understanding the needs and expectations of customers, and utilising risk assessments.



Climate Change Amendments:

The amendments have not changed the requirements of clause 4.1 and 4.2, rather they have added an assurance that climate change is considered for the management system. Due to the necessity of climate awareness, it should be considered by organisations and is therefore included as part of the standard.

Rather than a transition being required, organisations should instead consider and apply the guidance provided in the amendment. Should a company minute their considerations during their Management Review regarding CCC as well as evidence of their considerations and any actions, a discrepancy shall NOT be raised. However, should no minute exist for any considerations, then a discrepancy will be raised.

Where a minute and evidence does exist but is clearly of little relevance to CCC an Opportunity for Improvement (OFI) will be raised.

 

Clause 5 – Leadership:

Clause 5 focuses on the roles that leadership and top management play in the implementation and improvement of the anti-bribery management system; along with the means by which they can demonstrate their commitment.

 

Clause 6 – Planning:

Clause 6 highlights the considerations that should be taken into mind when planning for an anti-bribery management system. This includes awareness of the anti-bribery objects and how an organisation can aim to achieve them.

 

Clause 7 – Support:

Clause 7 explores the types of support that an organisation can utilise alongside their anti-bribery management system. These forms of support include available resources, staff competency and training.

 

Clause 8 – Operation:

Clause 8 considers each element that goes into the operation of the anti-bribery management system. Ensuring that factors such as due diligence. Controls and implementation are supported by guidance to ensure organisations have full understanding.

 

Clause 9 – Performance evaluation:

In the evaluation phase, clause 9 introduces a range of methods that an organisation can utilise to monitor, analyse and measure the success of the anti-bribery management system. With this information, areas for improvement can be highlighted, which is covered further in the next clause.

 

Clause 10 – Improvement:

In the final section of the standard, clause 10 covers the means of improvement that an organisation can use to continually increase the efficiency of the anti-bribery management system. This continual improvement can be streamlined through raising nonconformities, and implementing corrective actions.

 

How long will your ISO 37001 certificate be valid for?

Your ISO 37001 certificate will be valid for at least three years; dependent on the type of site that is being certified.

 

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