BBC Worldwide's Anti Fraud & Corruption Code of Conduct
BBC Worldwide is committed to the highest standards of ethics,
honesty, openness and accountability. It is crucial that we
take all necessary steps to protect the reputation of the BBC and
the value of the BBC brand. As an organisation, BBC Worldwide
takes a zero-tolerance approach to any form of corruption: in
the course of our business activities we do not endorse any form of
fraud or corruption from either our own staff or those acting on
our behalf
BBC Worldwide fully endorses all applicable anti-bribery
legislation (including the UK Bribery Act 2010). We provide
ongoing bribery awareness training to employees and have developed
proportionate procedures across all our areas of operations to
ensure that bribery and corruption risks are minimised and
eliminated where possible
This commitment is reflected in the key principles contained
within our Anti Fraud and Corruption Code of Conduct below, which
we expect all our staff and those acting on our behalf to
understand and comply with:
Always:
1. Ensure all the third parties that you deal with are aware of
and acknowledge BBC Worldwide's zero tolerance to fraud and
corruption (and are aware of applicable anti-bribery laws - such as
the UK Bribery Act 2010) before you enter into a new relationship
with them.
2. Carry out appropriate due diligence on third parties before
you enter into a deal or relationship.
3. Be alert to close relationships between parties in the supply
chain (e.g. agent / distributor) or with government
officials.
4. Seek a breakdown of all fees/costs upfront and question
anything which appears unusual.
5. Ensure any hospitality you offer, or hospitality offered to
you, is moderate, reasonable and appropriate and serves a
legitimate business purpose. Ask yourself: would the
hospitality place you in a conflict of interest (actual or
perceived) if business was subsequently placed with yourself or a
third party?
6. Be on the alert for suppliers with poor ethical
standards. This not only breaches BBC Worldwide's ethical
policies, but such suppliers are more likely to be involved in
fraudulent activity and/or counterfeiting of products.
For further information on ethical sourcing, see BBC
Worldwide's Code of Ethical Policy and our WorldwideAware Corporate
Responsibility pages.
7. Maintain complete and accurate books and records of account
recording all business transactions and dealings entered into for
or on behalf of or conducted in connection with BBCW's
business.
Never:
8. Accept or offer a bribe. BBC Worldwide operates a zero
tolerance towards bribery anywhere in the world, regardless of what
may be an accepted local practice. You should also never make a
facilitation payment to a foreign public official (e.g. to expedite
the provision of services). Remember: when acting on behalf of BBC
Worldwide, do not enter into any arrangement or engage in any
conduct (including fraud, corruption, dishonesty and illegal
activity) which places BBC or BBC Worldwide at risk of infringing
applicable anti-bribery legislation.
9. Accept or offer any personal favours. 'Soft money'
activities (i.e. perks such as free trips, school placements or
internships) may be seen as an inducement to enter or renew a
contract.
10. Make a payment to a government official unless it is in
accordance with the law. Always seek independent verification
(in writing) from your Head of Legal that the payment is
legitimate.
11. Do deals with any third party who could bring BBCW into
disrepute. BBC and BBC Worldwide's reputation could be damaged if
we are associated with unsuitable business partners.
12. Employ agents to circumvent this Code of Conduct or
contravene any applicable anti-bribery laws. (for the avoidance of
doubt, where agents are engaged to carry out legitimate services
for or on behalf of BBC Worldwide, the third party shall ensure
that the remuneration of such agents shall not exceed the normal
and reasonable commercial rates for such services and shall be
fully and properly accounted for).
13. Make any charitable donations in the name of BBC
Worldwide.
Remember, never turn a blind eye to fraud or corruption. If
you have any suspicions or concerns then you should raise them
immediately. As part of our zero tolerance approach towards fraud
and corruption, the BBC and BBC Worldwide will report any suspected
instances of fraud or corruption to the relevant civil or criminal
authorities.
You can also report any fraud or corruption concerns externally
in confidence to Expolink: