ANTI-BRIBERY &
ANTI-CORRUPTION POLICY
1. What does our Policy cover?
1.1. This anti-bribery and anticorruption policy (the “Policy”) exists to set out the responsibilities of Series 4 Distribution Ltd ( Series4 Distribution”) and those who work for us in regard to observing and upholding our zero-tolerance position on bribery and corruption.
1.2. It also exists to act as a source of information and guidance for those working for Series 4 Distribution . It helps them recognise and deal with bribery and corruption issues, as well as understand their responsibilities.
2. Policy statement
2.1. Series4 Distribution is committed to conducting business in an ethical and honest manner, and is committed to implementing and enforcing systems that ensure honesty and integrity . Series4 Distribution has zero-tolerance for bribery and corrupt practices . We are committed to acting professionally, fairly, and with integrity in all our business relationships, wherever i we operate.
2.2. Series 4 Distribution will constantly uphold all laws relating to anti-bribery and corruption in all the jurisdictions in which we operate.
3. Who is covered by the Policy?
3.1. This Policy applies to all employees (whether temporary, fixed-term, or permanent, home workers), consultants, contractors, trainees, , agency staff, volunteers, interns, agents, sponsors, or any other person or persons associated with us (including third parties), or any of our subsidiaries or their employees, no matter where they are located (within or outside of Mauritius).
3.2. In the context of this Policy, third-party refers to any individual or organisation Series4 Distribution meets and works with. It refers to actual and potential clients, customers, suppliers, distributors, business contacts, agents, advisers, government and public bodies – this includes their advisors, representatives and officials, politicians, and political parties.
3.3. Any transactions Series4 Distribution makes with a third party is subject to clear contractual terms, including specific provisions that require the third party to comply with minimum standards and procedures relating to anti-bribery and corruption.
4. Definition of bribery
4.1. Bribery refers to the act of offering, giving, promising, asking, agreeing, receiving, accepting, or soliciting something of value or of an advantage so as to unlawfully induce or influence an action or decision.ocedures relating to anti-bribery and corruption.
4.2. A bribe refers to any inducement, reward, or object/item of value offered to another individual in order to gain unlawful commercial, contractual, regulatory, or personal advantage.
5. Series4 Employees
5.1. Bribery is illegal. Employees must not engage in any form of bribery, whether it be directly, indirectly or passively or through a third party . They must not give, proposed, solicit or accept bribes in any manner whatsoever and if they are uncertain about whether something is a bribe or a gift or an act of hospitality, they must seek further advice from the company’s compliance officer.
5.2. What is and what is NOT acceptable
5.3. This section of the policy refers to 4 areas:
a. Gifts and hospitality.
b. Facilitation payments.
c. Political contributions.
d. Charitable contributions.
5.4. Gift and Hospitality: Series4 Distribution accepts normal and appropriate gestures of hospitality and goodwill (whether given to/received from third parties) so long as the giving or receiving of gifts meets the following requirements:
a. It is not made with the intention of unduly influencing the party to whom it is being given, to obtain or reward, the retention of a business or a business advantage, or as an explicit or implicit exchange for favours or benefits.
b. It is not made with the suggestion that a return favour is expected.
c. It is in compliance with local law.
d. It is given in the name of the company, not in an individual’s name.
e. It does not include cash or a cash equivalent (e.g. a voucher or gift certificate).
f. It is appropriate and lawful for the circumstances (e.g. giving small gifts around Christmas or as a small thank you to a company for helping our project t upon completion).
g. It is lawful and of an appropriate type and value and given at an appropriate time, taking into account the reason for the gift.
h. It is given/received openly, not secretly.
i. It is not selectively given to a key, influential person, clearly with the intention of directly influencing them.
j. It is not above a certain excessive value, as pre-determined by the company’s compliance officer.
k. It is not offer to, or accepted from, a government official , public officer or representative or politician or political party, without the prior approval of the company’s compliance manager.
5.5. Where it is inappropriate to decline the offer of a gift,the gift may be accepted so long as it is declared to the compliance manager, who will assess the circumstances.
5.6. Series 4 Distribution recognises that the practice of giving and receiving business gifts varies between countries, regions, cultures, and religions, so definitions of what is acceptable and not acceptable will inevitably differ for each.
5.7. As good practice, gifts given and received should always be disclosed to the compliance officers. Gifts from suppliers should always be disclosed.
5.8. The intention behind a gift being given/received should always be considered. If there is any uncertainty, the advice of the compliance officer should be sought.
5.9. Facilitation Payments and Kickbacks: Series 4 Distribution does not accept and will not make any form of facilitation payments of any nature. We recognise that facilitation payments are a form of bribery that involves expediting or facilitating the performance of a public official for a routine governmental action. We recognise that they tend to be made by low level officials with the intention of securing or speeding up the performance of a certain duty or action.
5.10. Series 4 Distribution does not allow kickbacks to be made or accepted. We recognise that kickbacks are typically made in exchange for a business favour or advantage.
5.11. Charitable Contributions: Series 4Distribution accepts (and indeed encourages) the act of donating to charities – whether through services, knowledge, time, or direct financial contributions (cash or otherwise) – and agrees to disclose all charitable contributions it makes.
5.12. Employees must be careful to ensure that charitable contributions are not used to facilitate and conceal acts of bribery.
5.13. We will ensure that all charitable donations made are legal and ethical under local laws and practices, and that donations are not offered/made without the approval of the compliance officer .
6. Employee Responsibilities
6.1. As an employee of Series 4 Distribution, you must ensure that you read, understand, and comply with the information contained within this Policy, and with any training or other anti-bribery and corruption information you are given.
6.2. All employees and those under our control are equally responsible for the prevention, detection, and reporting of bribery and other forms of corruption. They are required to avoid any activities that could lead to, or imply, a breach of this anti-bribery policy.
6.3. If you have reason to believe or suspect that an instance of bribery or corruption has occurred or will occur in the future that breaches this policy, you must notify the compliance manager.
6.4. If any employee breaches this policy, they will face disciplinary action and could face dismissal for gross misconduct. Series 4 Distribution has the right to terminate a contractual relationship with an employee if they breach this anti-bribery policy.
7. What happens if I need to raise a concern?
7.1. This section of the policy covers 3 areas:
a. How to raise a concern.
b. What to do if you are a victim of bribery or corruption.
c. Protection.
7.2. How to raise a concern
a. If you suspect that there is an instance of bribery or corrupt activities occurring in relation to Series 4 Distribution, you are encouraged to raise your concerns at as early a stage as possible. If you’re uncertain about whether a certain action or behaviour can be considered bribery or corruption, you should speak to your line manager, the compliance officer, the director.
7.3. Series 4 Distribution will familiarise all employees with its whistleblowing procedures so employees can vocalise their concerns swiftly and confidentially.
7.4. What to do if you are a victim of bribery or corruption:
a. You must tell your compliance officer as soon as possible if you are offered a bribe by anyone, if you are asked to make one, if you suspect that you may be bribed or asked to make a bribe in the near future, or if you have reason to believe that you are a victim of another corrupt activity.
7.5. Protection
a. If you refuse to accept or offer a bribe or you report a concern relating to potential act(s) of bribery or corruption, Series 4 Distribution understands that you may feel worried about potential repercussions. Series 4 Distribution will support anyone who raises concerns in good faith under this policy, even if investigation finds that they were mistaken.
7.6. Series 4 Distribution will ensure that no one suffers any detrimental treatment as a result of refusing to accept or offer a bribe or other corrupt activities or because they reported a concern relating to potential act(s) of bribery or corruption.
7.7. Detrimental treatment refers to dismissal, disciplinary action, treats, or unfavourable treatment in relation to the concern the individual raised.
7.8. If you have reason to believe you’ve been subjected to unjust treatment as a result of a concern or refusal to accept a bribe, you should inform your line manager or the compliance officer immediately.
8. Training and Communication
8.1. Series 4 Distribution will provide training on this policy as part of the induction process for all new employees. Employees may also receive regular, relevant training on how to adhere to this policy, and will be asked annually to formally accept that they will comply with this policy.
8.2. Series 4 Distribution ’s anti-bribery and corruption policy and zero-tolerance attitude will be clearly communicated to all suppliers, contractors, business partners, and any third-parties at the outset of business relations, and as appropriate thereafter.
8.3. Series 4 Distribution will provide relevant anti-bribery and corruption training to employees etc. where we feel their knowledge of how to comply with anticoruotion laws needs to be enhanced.
9. Record keeping
9.1. Series 4 Distribution will keep detailed and accurate financial records, and will have appropriate internal controls in place to act as evidence for all payments made. We will declare and keep a written record of the amount and reason for hospitality or gifts accepted and given, and understand that gifts and acts of hospitality are subject to managerial review.
10. Monitoring and reviewing
10.1. Series 4 Distribution ’s compliance officer is responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of this policy and will review the implementation of it on a regular basis. They will assess its suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness.
10.2. Internal control systems and procedures designed to prevent bribery and corruption are subject to regular audits to ensure that they are effective in practice.
10.3. Any need for improvements will be applied as soon as possible. Employees are encouraged to offer their feedback on this policy if they have any suggestions for how it may be improved. Feedback of this nature should be addressed to the compliance officer .
10.4. This policy may be amended from time to time so as to improve its effectiveness at combatting bribery and corruption.