Compliance

Being an employer does not simply mean running a business, it also includes a range of legal regulations, duties and obligations you must comply with and follow.

Remaining compliant is essential. If you do not adhere to Government enforced legislation then you will face fines and criminal proceedings, putting your company at unnecessary risk.

Compliance issues employers must be aware of include:

The Bribery Act

Our legal and commercial team offer advice, support and guidance on how companies should comply with the Bribery Act including information on the principles for bribery prevention, what are classed as offences and how to remain compliant.

If you do not have the correct plans and procedures in place to conform with the Bribery Act the penalties can be severe ranging from up to 10 years imprisonment, unlimited fines and companies could even be debarred from tendering for public contracts. 

As a BESA member you have access to advice and guidance including checklists, templates and questionnaires to help you remain compliant.

Freedom of information act

The Freedom of Information Act created a public ‘right of access’ to information held by public authorities.

In effect, this means that the public (including companies) have the right to information relating to the activities carried out by public authorities, publicly owned companies and designated bodies performing public functions.

Our team can help you in preparing requests for information to send to public bodies. We will guide you through the process and prepare the necessary documentation alongside you, as well as analyse any information provided in the responses.

IF YOUR TURNOVER EXCEEDS £36 MILLION:  

Modern Slavery

The Modern Slavery Act outlines two main offences concerning holding another person in slavery, servitude or forced labour and arranging or facilitating the travel of another person with a view to that person being exploited. 

Although you may not think that the Modern Slavey Act has relevance to your business, if your turnover exceeds £36 million the so-called Transparency in supply chains (TiSC) provisions require commercial organisations to prepare a slavery and human trafficking statement for each financial year. 

Organisations must report on the steps, or absence of steps, taken to ensure there is no slavery or human trafficking offences taking place in their business or in any of their supply chains to a certain extent.

BESA members have access to our Modern Slavery Guide which explains everything you need to know to stay compliant.

reporting payment performance

From April 2017 large businesses in the UK are required to report on their payment practices, policies and performances under the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015. 

The reporting duty will be mandatory for companies with an annual turnover of more than £36 million, balance sheet total more than £18 million and more than 250 employees. 

BESA members have access to our guidance on reporting payment performance.  

Here to help...

Remember that if you’re a BESA Member and you can’t find what you’re looking for the BESA Legal team are here to help and can provide you with coaching and tools to enable you to comply with any regulatory burden you find your business facing.