The Bribery Act 2010 has codified many of the issues that are now becoming prevalent in modern society and, in particular, has taken into account the complex nature of corporate establishments. By setting out a wide range of activities that could, potentially, be contrary to the Bribery Act 2010, much greater frameworks are being put in place for managers and directors within organisations, to ensure that they are not behaving in an improper manner.
For example, there is now an offence which prevents officers of the company from bribing foreign officials, in order to gain a commercial advantage. Requirements have also been put in place in terms of ensuring that systems are created to identify any officers of the company who may be undertaking bribery, thus extending the requirements beyond purely the management team.
Although the provisions are relatively new and their exact effect is not yet known, it is clear that these provisions are being put in place with a view to strengthening the requirements placed on organisations to ensure that they do not undertake any improper activities and that commercial freedom of trade is maintained, with a particular focus on ensuring ethical behaviour.
