BS 10500 2011 Anti-bribery Management System (ABMS) Standard

BS10500: Specification for an anti-bribery management system (ABMS)

BS10500:2011 outlines a systematic approach to managing bribery that encourages you to monitor and improve your controls routinely in proportion to the risks you face so that you'll be able to identify and address vulnerabilities before they have a chance to escalate.

The standard applies to organisations of all sizes, sectors and locations and is relevant to businesses in both the public and private sector. The anti-bribery standard is highly recommended for those working in industries with a greater exposure to risk, such as construction, engineering, defence, mining and utilities.

By implementing an ABMS as specified in BS10500, an organisation will have in place the relevant policies, procedures and practices that enable compliance with the UK Bribery Act 2010. The systematic approach detailed in the standard enables you to identify risks that are faced by your organisation regarding bribery and make sure that policies, procedures and practices and reviewed are improved over time.

By specifying exactly what relevant policies, procedures and practices you need to put in place to ensure compliance, this standard will help you to make sure you have included everything you need and save you time transforming the legislation into practical measures.

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The BS10500 allows you to:

• Familiarise yourself with the new anti-bribery legislation.
• Enable stronger confidence, better reputation and more business.
• Identify risks early and prove you have measures in place.
• Stay protected and compliant with legislation.
• Manage risk across your business, including supply chains.
• Continually improve and deliver best practice in managing risks.

The UK Bribery Act 2010 came into force in July 2011 and covers:

• Bribery.
• Being bribed.
• The bribery of foreign public officials.
• Failure of a commercial organisation to prevent bribery on its behalf.

Criminal offences under the new legislation are punishable under the Act with penalties ranging from up to 10 years’ imprisonment and unlimited fines to disqualification as a company director and confiscation of property.