Anti Bribery and Anti Corruption Policy - India
Anti Bribery and Anti Corruption Policy - India
This document is the exclusive property of Birlasoft. Printing, copying, circulation or distribution of this
document without permission of the authorized Birlasoft personnel is strictly prohibited.
ANTI-BRIBERY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION POLICY
1. Policy Statement
It is the policy of Birlasoft to conduct all business in an honest and ethical manner. We take a zero-tolerance
approach to bribery and corruption and are committed to acting professionally, fairly and with integrity in all
our business dealings and relationships wherever we operate and implementing and enforcing effective systems
to counter bribery.
We will uphold all laws relevant to countering bribery and corruption in all the countries and jurisdictions in
which we operate. The policy obliges every employee of the Company to adhere to all applicable laws, including
but not limited to the following:
1) The Bribery Act 2010, UK (in respect of our conduct both at home and abroad)
2) The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act 1977 (the FCPA) of USA
3) Any other Anti corruption law or act prevalent in any other country where we operate or have business
interest.
Bribery and corruption are punishable for individuals and organizations as per the laws of various countries.
The Company recognises that industry practices may vary from country to country or from culture to culture.
What is considered unacceptable in one place may be normal or usual practice in another. Nevertheless, a strict
adherence to the guidelines set out in this Policy is expected of all Associates, Associated Persons and Third
Parties at all times. If in doubt as to what might amount to bribery or what might constitute a breach of this
Policy, refer the matter to your Geo HR Head, Geo Business Head or CPO.
3. Definitions
In this policy “Birlasoft” or “Company” means Birlasoft (India) Limited and all its associates, subsidiaries,
branches and business units known in any name anywhere in the world.
“Third party” means any individual or organization you come into contact with during the course of your work
for us, and includes actual and potential clients, customers, suppliers, distributors, business contacts, agents,
advisers, and government and public bodies, including their advisors, representatives and officials, politicians
and political parties.
“Birlasoft” or “Company” means Birlasoft (India) Limited and all its associates, subsidiaries, branches and
business units, known in any name.
4. Applicability
This policy applies to all employees of Birlasoft working at all levels (including any of its intermediaries,
subsidiaries or associated companies), including directors, consultants, employees (whether permanent, fixed-
term or temporary), contractors, trainees, seconded staff, sub-contractual staff, casual workers and agency staff,
volunteers, or any other person associated with Birlasoft wherever located (collectively referred to as
“Associates” in this policy).
This document is the exclusive property of Birlasoft. Printing, copying, circulation or distribution of this
document without permission of the authorized Birlasoft personnel is strictly prohibited.
ANTI-BRIBERY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION POLICY
It also applies to all third parties or corporate entities associated with the Company or who performs functions
in relation to, or for and on behalf of, the Company, including, but not limited to, directors, agency workers,
casual workers, contractors, consultants, seconded staff, agents, suppliers and sponsors (“associated persons”).
All Associates, third parties and associated persons are expected to adhere to the principles set out in this Policy.
5. What Is Bribery?
A bribe is an inducement or reward offered, promised or provided in order to gain any commercial, contractual,
regulatory or personal advantage and the company policy prohibits:
the offering, the giving, the solicitation or the acceptance of any bribe, whether cash or other
inducement
to or from
any person or company, wherever they are situated and whether they are a public official or body or
private person or company
by
any individual Associate, agent or other person or body acting on the Company's behalf
in order to
gain any commercial, contractual or regulatory advantage for the Company in a way which is unethical
or in order to
gain any personal advantage, pecuniary or otherwise, for the individual or anyone connected with the
individual
This policy does not prohibit normal and appropriate hospitality (given and received) to or from third parties, if
they are as per our “Business Gifts and Entertainment Policy” and in conformance with prevalent Acts and
Guidance notes issued as per the law of the land.
“hospitality and promotional, or other business expenditure which seeks to improve the image of the Company,
better to present products and services, or establish cordial relations, is recognised as an established and
important part of doing business and is accepted by the Company. This policy does not prohibit reasonable and
proportionate hospitality and promotional or other similar business expenditure intended for these purposes. It
is, however, clear that hospitality and promotional or other similar business expenditure can be treated as
bribery, if there is a quid pro quo arrangement or given with a motive to extract any undue benefit for the person
or for the Company”
Thus, giving or receipt of gifts is not prohibited, if they comply with our “Business Gifts and Entertainment Policy”
and if the following requirements are met:
(a) it is not made with the intention of influencing a third party to obtain or retain business or a business
advantage, or to reward the provision or
(b) retention of business or a business advantage, or in explicit or implicit exchange for favours or benefits;
(c) it complies with local law;
(d) it is given in our name, not in your name;
(e) it does not include cash or a cash equivalent (such as gift certificates or vouchers);
(f) it is appropriate in the circumstances. For example, in the UK it is customary for small gifts to be given
at Christmas time and in India during major festivals like Diwali.
(g) taking into account the reason for the gift, it is of an appropriate type and value and given at an
appropriate time;
(h) it is given openly, not secretly; and
(i) gifts should not be offered to, or accepted from, government officials or representatives, or politicians
or political parties, without the prior approval of the Function Head or CPO.
This document is the exclusive property of Birlasoft. Printing, copying, circulation or distribution of this
document without permission of the authorized Birlasoft personnel is strictly prohibited.
ANTI-BRIBERY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION POLICY
(a) give, promise to give, or offer, a payment, gift or hospitality to a government official, agent or
representative to "facilitate" or expedite a routine procedure;
(b) accept a payment from a third party that you know or suspect is offered with the expectation or hope
that a business advantage for them;
(c) accept a gift or hospitality from a third party if you know or suspect that it is offered or provided with
an expectation that a business advantage will be provided by us in return;
(d) threaten or retaliate against another worker who has refused to commit a bribery offence or who has
raised concerns under this policy.
We do not make, and will not accept or offer, facilitation payments or "kickbacks" of any kind. Facilitation
payments are typically small, unofficial payments made to secure or expedite a routine government action by a
government official.
If you are asked to make a payment on our behalf, you should always be mindful of what the payment is for and
whether the amount requested is proportionate to the goods or services provided and a receipt be made
available. You should always ask for a receipt which details the reason for the payment. If you have any
suspicions, concerns or queries regarding a payment, you should raise these with the Function Head or CPO.
Kickbacks are typically payments made in return for a business favour or advantage. All associates must avoid
any activity that might lead to, or suggest, that a facilitation payment or kickback will be made or accepted by
us.
9. Donations
Birlasoft does not make contributions to political parties. We only make charitable donations that are legal and
ethical under local laws and practices as per our “Corporate Social Responsibility” guidelines/programs. No
donation other than this must be offered or made on behalf of the Company without the prior approval of the
CEO, CFO, CPO or Geo HR Head.
If an associate willfully ignores or turns a blind eye to any evidence or incident of corruption or bribery within
his / her department and/or around him / her, which the associate is reasonably aware of or having information
to, it will also considered as an act of passive acceptance of the act. Although such conduct may be “passive”,
i.e. the associate may not have directly participated in or may not have directly benefited from the corrupt
practices or event of bribery, the willful blindness to the same may, depending upon the circumstances, result
into disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the management.
“Company” expects all “Third Parties” doing business with “Company” to approach issues of bribery and
corruption in a manner that is consistent with the principles set out in this Policy. “Company” requires all “Third
Parties” to cooperate and ensure compliance with these standards, to continue the business relationship.
This document is the exclusive property of Birlasoft. Printing, copying, circulation or distribution of this
document without permission of the authorized Birlasoft personnel is strictly prohibited.
ANTI-BRIBERY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION POLICY
In order to maintain the highest standards of integrity, with respect to any dealings with a Third Party, all
associates must ensure that:
a) Associates shall conduct due diligence enquiries to review the integrity records of any Third Party before
entering a commercial relationship with them and follow the supplier management process and guidelines as
defined in the Global Procurement Policy.
b) Associates shall fully document the engagement process and the final approval of the selection of any Third
Party as per the concerned policy.
c) Associates who deal with third parties shall inform them intent and key conditions of this policy as per Supplier
Guidelines norms.
Each Third Party within your work area are fully briefed on this policy and have made a formal
commitment in writing to abide by it by signing the” Supplier Guidelines” document, as defined in the
Procurement policy.
Fees and commissions agreed will be appropriate and justifiable remuneration for legitimate services
rendered.
Contractual agreements will include appropriate wording making it possible to withdraw from the
relationship if any of the Third Parties fail to abide by this Policy.
In the event of any doubt on the integrity of a “Third Party”, it is the associate’s responsibility to contact his /
her Manager and the Whistleblower Committee via [email protected] as soon as possible. (refer to
the “Whistleblower Policy’ available on intranet for more details)
Every associate must ensure that he/she reads, understands and comply with this policy.
The prevention, detection and reporting of bribery and other forms of corruption are the responsibility
of all those working for us or under our control.
All Associates are required to avoid any activity that might lead to, or suggest, a breach of this policy.
Associates must ensure all expenses claims relating to hospitality, gifts or expenses incurred to third
parties are submitted in accordance with our Business Gifts and Entertainment Policy and/or other
expenses policy and specifically record the reason for the expenditure.
An associate must notify to the “Ethics Officer’ as soon as possible if you believe or suspect that
o a conflict with this policy has occurred, or may occur in the near future. For example, if a client
or potential client offers you something to gain a business advantage with us, or indicates to
you that a gift or payment is required to secure their business.
13. Record-Keeping
Birlasoft and all Associates to keep financial records and have appropriate internal controls in place which will
evidence the business reason for making payments to third parties and supported with appropriate company
policy and/or law of the land.
All accounts, invoices, memoranda and other documents and records relating to dealings with third parties, such
as clients, suppliers and business contacts, should be prepared and maintained with strict accuracy and
completeness by the respective functions/owners of the Company. No accounts must be kept "off-book" to
facilitate or conceal improper payments.
BSL-HR-ORG-002 Version 2.0 Page 5 of 7
This document is the exclusive property of Birlasoft. Printing, copying, circulation or distribution of this
document without permission of the authorized Birlasoft personnel is strictly prohibited.
ANTI-BRIBERY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION POLICY
The aim of record keeping is to provide protection for both the Company and the Associates. Associates cannot
be compromised if everything is recorded.
You are encouraged to raise concerns about any issue or suspicion of malpractice at the earliest possible stage.
If you are unsure whether a particular act constitutes bribery or corruption, or if you have any other queries,
these should be raised with the Ethics Officer or to the Whistleblower Committee @
[email protected] . You are also encouraged to refer to the Whistleblower Policy of the Company
and report any suspected malpractice at the contacts given in the policy.
It is important that you inform in writing to the CPO, Geo HR Head or Geo Business Head as soon as possible if
you are offered a bribe by a third party, are asked to make one, you suspect that this may happen in the near
future, or believe that you are a victim of another form of unlawful activity.
16. Protection
Associates who refuse to accept or offer a bribe, or those who raise concerns or report another person’s
wrongdoing, are sometimes worried about possible repercussions. We aim to encourage openness and will
support anyone who raises genuine concerns in good faith under this policy, even if they turn out to be mistaken.
However, Associates also to make sure that the complaints are not with mala fide intent to victimize someone
or to settle personal or professional scores.
We are committed to ensuring no one suffers any detrimental treatment as a result of refusing to take part in
bribery or corruption, or because of reporting it in good faith. If you believe that you have suffered any
detrimental treatment as a result of your raising a concern under this policy, you should inform the CPO, Your
HR Manager or Your Business Manager immediately. If the matter is not remediated, you should raise it formally
with the COO or CEO of the Company.
The “Ethics Officer” will monitor the effectiveness and review the implementation of this policy, regularly
considering its suitability, adequacy and effectiveness based on the issues reported/observed or based on any
audit findings or change in law. Any improvements identified will be made as soon as possible. Internal control
systems and procedures will be subject to regular audits to provide assurance that they are effective in
countering bribery and corruption.
Any Associate who breaches this policy will face disciplinary action as per the disciplinary actions policy of the
company. We reserve our right to terminate our contractual relationship with any party or sub-contractual staff
if they breach this policy.
Offering a Bribe:-
You offer a potential client tickets to a major Sporting event such as Wimbledon, Olympics or a test Match or
offered employment to a known person of a potential client but only if they agree to place a contract with us.
BSL-HR-ORG-002 Version 2.0 Page 6 of 7
This document is the exclusive property of Birlasoft. Printing, copying, circulation or distribution of this
document without permission of the authorized Birlasoft personnel is strictly prohibited.
ANTI-BRIBERY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION POLICY
This would be an offence as you are making the offer to gain a commercial and contractual advantage. We may
also be found to have committed an offence because the offer has been made to obtain business for us. It may
also be an offence for the potential client to accept your offer.
Receiving a bribe:-
A supplier offers to supply you and your spouse with a fantastic modern new modern kitchen or offers
employment to a relative of you in another firm, but makes it clear that in return they expect you to use your
influence in our organization to ensure we continue to do business with them. It is an offence for the supplier
to offer you a bribe. It would be an offence for you to accept that offer as you would be doing so to gain a
personal advantage.
20. Training
The primary responsibility of understanding the policy in entirety, attending trainings and orientation programs,
and seeking clarifications in case of doubt lies with the associates.
The Company will provide training and orientation to all Associates to help them understand their duties and
responsibilities under this Policy at the time of onboarding and induction and also through regular awareness
programs (at least once a year). The Company’s zero tolerance approach to bribery will also be communicated
to all business partners at the outset of the business relationship with them (through supplier guidelines or
service agreements) and as appropriate thereafter.
21. References:
All the above policies are available in our intranet site under policies section.
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This document is the exclusive property of Birlasoft. Printing, copying, circulation or distribution of this
document without permission of the authorized Birlasoft personnel is strictly prohibited.