37001

ISO 37001, titled Anti-bribery Management Systems, is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It specifies requirements and guidance for establishing, implementing, maintaining, reviewing, and improving an anti-bribery management system within an organization and for using it to prevent bribery and comply with anti-bribery laws and regulations.

Scope: The standard is applicable to any organization, regardless of type, size, or sector, including public, private, and non-profit entities. It covers bribery in all forms, including payments, gifts, or other inducements offered or received directly or through intermediaries.

Key requirements: Organizations must adopt an anti-bribery policy; perform bribery risk assessments; implement due diligence on or for third parties; establish financial and accounting controls; develop training and awareness programs; establish reporting channels; investigate potential incidents; take corrective actions; and continually monitor and improve the system. The standard emphasizes leadership and commitment from top management and the integration of the anti-bribery system with other management systems.

Implementation and certification: ISO 37001 can be integrated with other management standards, such as ISO 9001. Certification is voluntary and conducted by independent certification bodies. A typical cycle includes a gap assessment, documentation review, and an on-site audit, followed by surveillance audits to maintain certification.

Impact and limitations: The standard helps reduce bribery risk and demonstrate organizational commitment, but certification is not a guarantee that bribery will not occur; effectiveness depends on ongoing implementation and vigilance. History: ISO 37001 was published in 2016.

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