Avalon Surveyors Ltd does not tolerate bribery or corruption in any form. This policy sets out the standards we follow and the procedures we use to prevent bribery, in line with the Bribery Act 2010.
Scope
The policy applies to the directors, to everyone employed by the practice, and to anyone who performs services for us or on our behalf, including subconsultants and agents. It covers all of our dealings with clients, contractors, suppliers, public officials and others.
Our commitments
- We do not offer, promise, give, request or accept a bribe, or any payment or other advantage intended to influence a decision improperly.
- We do not make facilitation payments.
- We do not let referral arrangements, gifts, hospitality or self-interest influence our professional advice, and we tell clients about any benefit we receive from a referral.
- We do not facilitate fraud, money laundering, tax evasion or any other financial crime.
- We keep accurate records of fees, payments and expenses.
Gifts and hospitality
Modest gifts and hospitality can be a normal part of business relationships. Anything given or received must be reasonable, proportionate and transparent, and must never be intended, or appear to be intended, to influence a tender, an appointment or a professional decision. Gifts of cash or cash equivalents are never given or accepted. Anyone who is unsure whether a gift or invitation is appropriate should ask the Director before accepting it.
How we prevent bribery
Section 7 of the Bribery Act 2010 makes it an offence for an organisation to fail to prevent bribery by those acting on its behalf, unless it has adequate procedures in place. Our procedures follow the six principles in the Ministry of Justice guidance and are proportionate to a small practice working in London, the South East and the East of England:
- Leadership: the Director is responsible for this policy and sets the standard of zero tolerance.
- Risk assessment: we consider the risk of bribery when we take on new clients, suppliers and subconsultants, and when we are involved in tendering or procurement on a client’s behalf.
- Due diligence: we work only with people and organisations we are satisfied will act with integrity.
- Communication: we make this policy known to everyone who works for us or on our behalf.
- Conflicts of interest: we identify and manage conflicts of interest in line with RICS requirements.
- Monitoring and review: we review this policy and how well it is working every year.
Reporting concerns
Anyone who suspects bribery or corruption connected with our work should report it to the Director straight away. Concerns raised in good faith are treated in confidence, and no one will suffer any detriment for raising them. A breach of this policy may lead to disciplinary action or to the end of a business relationship, and where the RICS Rules of Conduct require it, we will report significant concerns to RICS.
Monitoring and review
We review this policy every year, and sooner if the law, RICS requirements or our work change.
Related policies
Approved by the Director of Avalon Surveyors Ltd. Last reviewed: October 2026. Next review: October 2027.