Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy 

At White Ribbon Alliance UK, we believe that trust is the foundation of our work. We are committed to being transparent, fair, and ethical in everything we do. That means we do not tolerate bribery or corruption in any form. This policy explains the standards we set for ourselves and our partners, and how we safeguard the integrity of our work and the trust of the communities and funders who support us.

Our commitment 
White Ribbon Alliance UK takes a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption. We are committed to acting honestly, fairly, and with integrity in all of our work. As a registered UK charity, we are accountable to the public, our funders, and the communities we serve. We will not compromise our values for financial or personal gain. 

Scope 
This policy applies to all trustees, staff, contractors, volunteers, and anyone acting on behalf of White Ribbon Alliance UK, in the UK or overseas. We also expect our suppliers, partners, and grantees to adhere to the same standards. 

What this means in practice 

  • We will not offer, give, request, or accept bribes in any form. 

  • A bribe is any financial or other advantage given or received with the intention of improperly influencing a decision. This includes money, gifts, loans, hospitality, services, discounts, the award of a contract, or any other benefit. 

  • “Facilitation payments” (small payments to speed up routine processes) are prohibited. 

  • Nobody may use their role in our organisation for personal gain. 

Gifts and hospitality 

  • Any gift or hospitality that could influence, or appear to influence, decision-making will not be accepted. 

  • No gift valued above £25 may be accepted without written approval from senior management. 

  • All gifts and hospitality, regardless of value, must be recorded in the Register of Gifts and Hospitality, which is reviewed quarterly by the Board of Trustees. 

  • Modest hospitality (for example, working lunches or community-based meetings) may be acceptable if pre-approved and proportionate. 

Oversight and enforcement 

  • The Board of Trustees holds ultimate responsibility for ensuring compliance with this policy. 

  • The register of gifts and hospitality is maintained by management and reviewed by the Trustees. 

  • Breaches of this policy will lead to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal, termination of contract, and, where relevant, reporting to law enforcement. 

Training and awareness 

  • All trustees, staff, and volunteers receive training on this policy during induction. 

  • Refresher training is provided annually or when there are material changes to the law or to our policy. 

  • Contractors and partners are made aware of this policy at the outset of any agreement. 

Speaking up We encourage staff, volunteers, partners, and members of the public to raise concerns if they witness or suspect bribery or corruption connected to our work. 

  • Concerns can be raised with the Co-CEOs, the Chair of Trustees, or via our whistleblowing procedures. 

  • We will treat all concerns seriously and in confidence. Retaliation against anyone who raises a genuine concern will not be tolerated. 

Supply chains and partners 
We expect the same high standards from our suppliers and partners. Anti-bribery clauses are built into our contracts and agreements. We will end relationships where standards are breached. 

Compliance with the law 
This policy reflects our obligations under the UK Bribery Act 2010. White Ribbon Alliance UK may face criminal liability if bribery occurs on our behalf. Strict compliance is therefore essential. 

Review cycle 
This policy is reviewed every two years by the Board of Trustees to ensure it remains effective, up to date, and compliant with the law. 

Our values 
Integrity, accountability, and respect are at the heart of our mission. By refusing to accept or offer improper advantages, we protect the trust placed in us by women, girls, families, communities, supporters, and funders. 

Next review: July 2027