Anti-bribery and corruption statement

Our commitment

We are committed to applying the highest standards of ethical conduct, following good NHS business practice and have robust controls in place to prevent bribery. We expect all organisations, partners and suppliers doing business with us to have a comparable commitment and this enables us to reassure our patients, members and stakeholders that public funds are safeguarded.

A bribe is a financial advantage or other reward that is offered to, given to, or received by an individual or company (whether directly or indirectly) to induce or influence that individual or company to perform public or corporate functions or duties improperly. All colleagues or any individual acting for, or on behalf of the Trust, are strictly prohibited from making, soliciting or receiving any bribes or unauthorised payment. We will not tolerate this under any circumstances.

Bribery and corruption under the act are punishable for individuals as a criminal offence by up to 10 years imprisonment and the Trust could face an unlimited fine. We therefore take these legal responsibilities very seriously and are committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems to prevent, monitor and eliminate bribery, in accordance with the Bribery Act 2010.

Our zero tolerance approach to bribery and corruption is set out in further detail within the Anti-Fraud, Bribery and Corruption policy, and across a range of other trust policies and procedural documentation. This applies to all colleagues and non-executives, together with contractors, suppliers and agents working or acting on behalf of the Trust.

We are all responsible for gaining an understanding of the requirements, the standard of conduct expected of us and ensuring that they comply at all times with all of our policies and procedures. This includes those in relation to procurement, conflicts of interest, hospitality, secondary employment and the acceptance of gifts.

The success of our anti-bribery measures depends on all colleagues, and those acting for the organisation, playing their part in helping to detect and eradicate bribery. Therefore, all colleagues and others acting for, or on the behalf of the organisation, are encouraged to report any suspected bribery in accordance with the procedures set out in our Anti-Fraud, Bribery and Corruption policy.

If you are in any doubt as to whether any conduct could amount to bribery please contact a member of the Trust’s Board, our trust secretary Ria Zandvliet via Ria.zandvliet@somersetft.nhs.uk or our counter fraud manager Aimee Newton on Aimee.newton@somersetft.nhs.uk.