1. Policy Statement
It is Paneltex’s policy to conduct all of our business in an honest and ethical manner. We take a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption and are committed to acting professionally, fairly and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships wherever we operate and implementing and enforcing effective systems to counter bribery.
We will uphold all laws relevant to countering bribery and corruption. However, we remain bound by the laws of the UK, including the Bribery Act 2010, in respect of our conduct both at home and abroad.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all individuals working for or on behalf of Paneltex, wherever located and whether permanent, fixed-term or temporary.
3. What is Bribery?
Bribery is defined as giving someone a financial or other advantage to encourage that person to perform their functions or activities improperly or to reward that person for having already done so. This could cover seeking to influence a decision-maker by giving extra benefit to that decision-maker, rather than by what can legitimately be offered as part of a tender process.
There are four specific offences under the Bribery Act 2010:
- Giving or offering a bribe
- Receiving or requesting a bribe
- Bribing a foreign public official
- Failure of a commercial organisation to prevent bribery
4. Gifts, Hospitality and Entertainment
This policy does not prohibit appropriate gifts and hospitality (given and received) to or from third parties unless otherwise specifically stated. However, any gift or hospitality given or received must not be made with the intention of influencing any recipient in any commercial or business decision, to promote any business advantage, or to reward any party for the provision or retention of business. Any gift given or received must be given openly, be appropriate in the circumstances, and be given on behalf of or received in the name of Paneltex.
Paneltex operates an annual gift raffle towards the end of each year, whereby all current employees are issued with a ticket giving an equal chance to win any seasonal gifts received by Paneltex or members of Paneltex staff that year.
5. Charitable Donations
Paneltex makes various charitable donations each year, in large part to its Charity of the Year, selected by a committee of Paneltex staff members. Other smaller or one-off donations are made to other charitable organisations, with full details of these donations available on request.
No donation of any kind is permitted to be offered or made on behalf of Paneltex without the express consent in writing of the Company Directors.
6. Raising concerns
Any person can make confidential contact with Paneltex to raise concerns about, or to report any suspected breach of, any part of this policy by writing to:
The Company Secretary
Paneltex Ltd
Somerden Road
Kingston upon Hull
HU9 5PE
Further information on Paneltex policies can be obtained on request.