ISO 37001 Standard: Anti-Bribery
Management System

ISO 37001 Standard: Anti-Bribery Management System

An ISO standard is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). These standards establish criteria and guidelines for various areas and processes within an organization and are designed to be applied voluntarily. ISO standards can cover aspects such as quality management, environmental management, information security, risk management, and more.

The ISO 37001 standard refers to the Anti-Bribery Management System. It was developed to assist organizations in preventing, detecting, and addressing bribery in their activities and operations. The standard sets out the requirements and measures that an organization must implement to establish an effective anti-bribery system. These requirements include the commitment of top management, risk assessment, the implementation of anti-corruption policies and procedures, the establishment of adequate controls, staff training and communication, due diligence regarding business partners and suppliers, and the implementation of mechanisms for the detection and management of bribery incidents. The successful implementation of the ISO 37001 standard will help an organization create a culture of integrity and transparency, demonstrate its commitment to combating corruption, and minimize the risks associated with bribery.

This Anti-Bribery Management System is essential for preventing and detecting corrupt practices within organizations. It consists of a set of policies, procedures, and internal controls aimed at ensuring that the company complies with anti-corruption laws and regulations while promoting a culture of transparency and ethics at all levels of the organization.

Bribery is an illicit practice that undermines the integrity of businesses and distorts free competition. It is defined as the giving or promising of an undue benefit to a person, whether public or private, in order to gain an improper advantage. This act can damage a company's reputation, lead to fines and legal penalties, and jeopardize the trust of customers and business partners.

To successfully implement an Anti-Bribery Management System in a company, several key steps must be followed:

• Commitment of top management: Implementing an Anti-Bribery Management System requires the commitment and support of top management. They must establish a zero-tolerance policy towards bribery, allocate the necessary resources, and clearly communicate objectives and expectations.
• Risk assessment: The company must identify and assess the bribery risks it faces. This involves analyzing the environments, activities, and business relationships that could facilitate corrupt conduct. Once the risks are identified, specific measures should be developed to mitigate them.
• Development of policies and procedures: The company must design and document clear and concise anti-corruption policies and procedures. These policies should establish ethical standards, rules, and necessary controls to prevent corrupt conduct. In addition, procedures should be established for reporting possible acts of bribery and for investigating and sanctioning them.
• Training and communication: It is crucial to train all employees on the company's anti-corruption policies and procedures. This includes not only executives but also employees at all levels and roles. Training should be regular and cover topics such as identifying risk situations, making ethical decisions, and the importance of reporting irregularities.
• Implementation and monitoring: Once the Anti-Bribery Management System is established, it needs to be implemented and regularly monitored. This involves setting up control mechanisms, conducting internal and external audits, and periodically assessing the system's effectiveness. Additionally, confidential channels should be established to allow employees to safely report possible acts of bribery.

The successful implementation of an Anti-Bribery Management System in a company requires a long-term commitment and the involvement of all members of the organization. It is not only important to comply with anti-corruption laws and regulations but also to promote a culture of integrity, honesty, and transparency. Only in this way can bribery risks be mitigated, ensuring the sustainability and reputation of the company in the long term.

With SHOGUN Ethical Line, you can implement best digital practices in managing reports of corruption, promoting participation of members of your organization in practices that foster corporate ethics and integrity.

Author: Carlos León
Undersecretary of Expenditure at the Finance Secretariat of the Executive Branch of the State of Querétaro. Certified Public Accountant certified by the Mexican Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Bachelor of Law from INDEPAC, and holds the Certified Fraud Examiner certification from ACFE and the International Anti-Fraud Expert certification from ICPF, among others.