1. Introduction
South Wales Medical Services (SWMS) values transparency, integrity, and ethical behavior in all aspects of its operations. This Gifts and Hospitality Policy is established to ensure that the giving and receiving of gifts, hospitality, and other favors are conducted in a manner that upholds our commitment to the highest standards of professionalism, fairness, and accountability.
2. Policy Statement
2.1. SWMS employees, contractors, agents, and business partners must adhere to this policy when giving or receiving gifts, hospitality, or favors in the course of business dealings.
2.2. This policy applies to all employees, contractors, agents, consultants, and business partners, regardless of their position or role within the organization.
3. Acceptance of Gifts and Hospitality
3.1. Employees are permitted to accept occasional, modest gifts, hospitality, or favors that are customary and consistent with professional norms.
3.2. Acceptance of gifts, hospitality, or favors should never influence, or be perceived to influence, business decisions or compromise the recipient’s integrity.
3.3. Employees must ensure that the value and frequency of accepted gifts and hospitality do not create conflicts of interest or breach ethical standards.
4. Giving of Gifts and Hospitality
4.1. When offering gifts, hospitality, or favors, employees must ensure that they are appropriate, reasonable, and do not violate local laws or company policies.
4.2. Any gifts or hospitality offered should not be excessive and should be within the bounds of professional conduct.
4.3. Gifts, hospitality, or favors should never be offered with the intent to improperly influence business decisions.
5. Reporting and Transparency
5.1. Employees must report the acceptance or offer of gifts, hospitality, or favors with a value exceeding £20.00 to their immediate supervisor or the designated compliance officer.
5.2. SWMS will maintain a record of reported gifts, hospitality, and favors to ensure transparency and accountability.
6. Exclusions
6.1. Certain situations may arise where accepting or offering gifts, hospitality, or favors is strictly prohibited. For example, gifts from vendors bidding for contracts may be considered inappropriate.
7. Compliance
7.1. Non-compliance with this policy may result in disciplinary actions, including reprimand, suspension, or termination, depending on the severity of the violation.
8. Training and Communication
8.1. SWMS will provide training to employees on the Gifts and Hospitality Policy and its implications.
8.2. The policy will be communicated to all employees, contractors, agents, consultants, and business partners.
9. Review and Update
9.1. This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure its effectiveness and relevance.
10. Conclusion
SWMS is committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards in its interactions with all stakeholders. This Gifts and Hospitality Policy reflects our dedication to transparency, accountability, and fairness in giving and receiving gifts, hospitality, and favors.
Signed:
Simon Garratt
Managing Director
18th August 2023