ISO 37001 represents a comprehensive framework that tackles bribery involving organizations, their personnel, or business associates acting on the organization’s behalf or for its benefit. What sets the standard apart is its comprehensive approach. The components of this robust framework highlight risk assessments, due diligence on projects and business associates, and the establishment of financial, commercial, and contractual controls. ISO 37001 underscores the importance of review mechanisms and mandates corrective action and continuous improvement to ensure that anti-bribery management systems stay efficient.
The Positive Impacts of ISO 37001
Having an ISO 37001 shows your organization's commitment to ethical practices. These systems can help protect you from reputational damage and legal consequences. The standard can also serve as a unique selling proposition to attract fellow ethical businesses and socially conscious investors.
The standard encourages better organizational structure so employees know their responsibilities clearly. Taking a step towards improving company culture also helps boost employee morale and engagement. A diligent and continual application of ISO 37001 will lead to an overall increase in your organization's efficiency.
Obtaining an ISO 37001 Certification
Initially, the organization needs to grasp a thorough understanding of ISO 37001 requirements. This may involve training, standard-oriented reading, or professional assistance.
Next, the organization must conduct a gap analysis to pinpoint non-compliance areas. This step involves checking existing operations against ISO 37001 requirements. Upon completion, the organization moves forward with risk assessment. It must identify its bribery risks, gauge their significance, and decide how to mitigate them.
Once an anti-bribery policy is developed, All employees must undergo training to shed light on its relevance to their existing responsibilities. This training might require specific modules for personnel stationed in high-risk positions. The organization should conduct periodic audits to verify their policy's compliance and promptly address non-conformities.
Once ready, the organization can proceed to seek certification from an accredited and independent certification body. This body will carry out an audit to verify if the organization has successfully enacted the ISO 37001 management system. A successful audit culminates in the organization obtaining certification.
Lastly, but most importantly, ISO 37001 certification isn't a one-time achievement. The organization must continuously monitor and refine its anti-bribery management system to assure ongoing compliance with the standard. Bear in mind that this is a general overview, and each step may include additional processes depending on an organization's operations.
Our ISO 37001 Courses at FSE ICC
We at FSE ICC offer four different courses to jump-start your understanding of ISO 37001 and help you become a stronger player in your organization. All of our courses are presented by a certified PECB instructor either in a live classroom setup or in an online meeting format.
- ISO 37001 Introduction - The course duration is one day, no examination associated with the course. You will receive 7 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits and 100 pages of course materials for continued study.
- ISO 37001 Foundation - The course duration is two days. An ISO 37001 Foundation certification examination is available upon completion of this course. You will receive 14 CPD credits and 200 pages of course materials for continued study.
- ISO 37001 Lead Auditor - The PECB Certified Anti-Bribery Lead Auditor training course equips you with the skills and knowledge to conduct audits on anti-bribery management systems (ABMS) effectively, utilizing recognized audit principles, techniques, and procedures, all in accordance with ISO 37001 standards. After completing the course and passing the exam, you can obtain the internationally recognized "PECB Certified ISO 37001 Lead Auditor" credential. This certificate attests to your professional ability to audit organizations based on ISO 37001 requirements and best auditing practices. The course will provide you with 31 CPD credits and 450 pages of course materials for further learning.
- ISO 37001 Lead Implementer - The certification exam will be held on day three of the course. Once you pass the exam, you can apply for the credential appropriate to your personal career level of experience. You will receive 31 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits, and 450 pages of course materials for your continued study.
If you are interested in understanding ISO 37001 or improving your Anti-Bribery Management Systems, see a list of our related courses here.