Anti-Bribery & Corruption Policy

1.1 This anti-bribery policy exists to set out the responsibilities of Hazchem Safety and those who work for us in regards to observing and upholding our zero-tolerance position on bribery and corruption.

1.2 It also exists to act as a source of information and guidance for those working for Hazchem Safety. It helps them recognise and deal with bribery and corruption issues, as well as understand their responsibilities.

2.1 Hazchem Safety is committed to conducting business in an ethical and honest manner, and is committed to implementing and enforcing systems that ensure bribery is prevented. Hazchem Safety has a zero-tolerance for bribery and corrupt activities. We are committed to acting professionally, fairly and with integrity in all business dealings and relationships, wherever in the country we operate.

2.2 Hazchem Safety will constantly uphold all laws relating to anti-bribery and corruption in all the jurisdictions in which we operate. We are bound by the laws of the UK, including the Bribery Act 2010, in regards to our conduct both at home and abroad.

2.3 Hazchem Safety recognises that bribery and corruption are punishable by up to ten years imprisonment and a fine. If our company is discovered to have taken part in corrupt activities, we may be subject to an unlimited fine, be excluded from tendering for public contracts, and face serious damage to our reputation.

3.1 This anti-bribery policy applies to all employees (whether temporary, fixed-term, or permanent), consultants, contractors, trainees, seconded staff, home workers, casual workers, agency staff, volunteers, interns, agents, sponsors, or any other person or persons associated with us, no matter where they are located.

3.2 In the context of this policy, third-party refers to any individual or organisation our company meets and works with. It refers to actual and potential clients, customers, suppliers, distributors, business contacts, agents, advisers, and government and public bodies.

3.3 Any arrangements our company makes with a third party is subject to clear contractual terms, including specific provisions that require the third party to comply with minimum standards and procedures relating to anti-bribery and corruption.

4.1 Bribery refers to the act of offering, giving, promising, asking, agreeing, receiving, accepting, or soliciting something of value or of an advantage so to induce or influence an action or decision.

4.2 A bribe refers to any inducement, reward, or object/item of value offered to another individual in order to gain commercial, contractual, regulatory, or personal advantage.

4.3 Bribery is not limited to the act of offering a bribe. If an individual is on the receiving end of a bribe and they accept it, they are also breaking the law.

4.4 Bribery is illegal. Employees must not engage in any form of bribery, whether it be directly, passively, or through a third party. They must not bribe a foreign public official anywhere in the world.

5.1 This section of the policy refers to 4 areas: Gifts and hospitality, Facilitation payments, Political contributions, and Charitable contributions.

5.2 Gifts and Hospitality — Hazchem Safety accepts normal and appropriate gestures of hospitality and goodwill so long as they are not made with the intention of influencing a party, not made with the suggestion that a return favour is expected, in compliance with local law, given in the name of the company, do not include cash equivalents, and are of appropriate type and value.

5.7 Facilitation Payments and Kickbacks — Hazchem Safety does not accept and will not make any form of facilitation payments of any nature. We recognise that facilitation payments are a form of bribery.

5.10 Political Contributions — Hazchem Safety will not make donations, whether in cash, kind, or by any other means, to support any political parties or candidates.

5.11 Charitable Contributions — Hazchem Safety accepts and indeed encourages the act of donating to charities and agrees to disclose all charitable contributions it makes.

6.1 As an employee of Hazchem Safety, you must ensure that you read, understand, and comply with the information contained within this policy.

6.2 All employees and those under our control are equally responsible for the prevention, detection, and reporting of bribery and other forms of corruption.

6.3 If you have reason to believe or suspect that an instance of bribery or corruption has occurred or will occur, you must notify the compliance manager.

6.4 If any employee breaches this policy, they will face disciplinary action and could face dismissal for gross misconduct.

7.2 How to raise a concern — If you suspect that there is an instance of bribery or corrupt activities occurring in relation to Hazchem Safety, you are encouraged to raise your concerns at as early a stage as possible.

7.3 Hazchem Safety will familiarise all employees with its whistleblowing procedures so employees can vocalise their concerns swiftly and confidentially.

7.5 Protection — If you refuse to accept or offer a bribe or you report a concern relating to potential acts of bribery or corruption, Hazchem Safety will support anyone who raises concerns in good faith under this policy.

8.1 Hazchem Safety will provide training on this policy as part of the induction process for all new employees.

8.2 Hazchem Safety's anti-bribery and corruption policy and zero-tolerance attitude will be clearly communicated to all suppliers, contractors, business partners, and any third-parties.

9.1 Hazchem Safety will keep detailed and accurate financial records, and will have appropriate internal controls in place to act as evidence for all payments made.

10.1 Hazchem Safety's compliance manager is responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of this policy and will review the implementation of it on a regular basis.

10.2 Internal control systems and procedures designed to prevent bribery and corruption are subject to regular audits.

10.4 This policy does not form part of an employee's contract of employment and Hazchem Safety may amend it at any time.