A stitch in time saves a custodial sentence and an unlimited fine: analysing the draft Bribery Bill

If measures proposed by the UK Government in its draft Bribery Bill (Bill) come into force, a failure to put in place a programme to prevent bribery could land an organisation with an unlimited fine, serious reputational damage and its directors, managers, secretaries or other similar officers with a 10 year prison sentence and/or an unlimited fine.

The Bill also allows the prosecution in England & Wales of bribery committed abroad by people ordinarily resident in the UK and UK corporate bodies.

With the Bill still in draft format, there is an opportunity for commercial organisations to act now and put in place procedures to prevent bribery that could avoid a custodial sentence and/or an unlimited fine following the Bill's implementation.

Wragge & Co's experts guide you through some of the key provisions included in the Bill and actions you should consider taking now to avoid falling foul of the proposed new legislation.