Bribery Act 2010

The Act is important as it sets high standards for corporate conduct and provides scope for the imposition of heavy penalties where those standards are not met, including unlimited fines and prison terms.

On this page you can find answers to some frequently asked questions concerning the Act and identify things your business can do now to ensure its compliance with the Act.

1. When does the Act take effect?

Friday 1 July 2011.

2. What are the offences under the Act?

The Act introduces four main offences:

• making bribes;
• receiving bribes;
• bribery of foreign public officials; and
• the corporate offence of failing to prevent bribery. This offence is subject to an ‘adequate procedures’ defence.

3. What are the penalties?

• Companies: an unlimited fine (set at the court’s discretion).
• Individuals: up to 10 years imprisonment, an unlimited fine (set at the court’s discretion) or both.
• Directors: may be subject to disqualification proceedings, potentially leading to disqualification from acting as a director for up to 15 years.
  Public Contractors - possible debarment from public contracts.

 For more information on frequently asked questions about the Bribery Act 2010, please click here.