Why a simple anti-bribery policy could help you win more public contracts

Trust is at the heart of every public contract. When government buyers choose a supplier, they're not just looking at price or quality. They're also checking that the business acts responsibly and follows the law.

An anti-bribery and anti-corruption policy is one of the simplest ways to show that you do. It tells buyers that your business operates with integrity, your staff understand what's acceptable and you take compliance seriously.

For many small businesses, this is an easy document to overlook. But when you start applying for public work, it quickly becomes essential.

Buyers will often ask to see it before you can move forward in a tender. Having it in place shows you're ready to meet their standards and makes the whole process smoother.

This blog explains what an anti-bribery policy is, how it fits into public procurement and how to create one that suits your business.

It's the first in our Ready to Supply series, which helps small firms build the foundations they need to work confidently with government.

What is an anti-bribery and anti-corruption policy?

An anti-bribery and anti-corruption policy is a short statement that explains how your business prevents bribery and unethical behaviour.

It sets out clear expectations for anyone who works with you, from employees to contractors and suppliers.

The policy covers things like offering or accepting payments, giving gifts or promising favours in return for work. It helps everyone in your business understand what is acceptable and what is not.

The Bribery Act 2010 makes bribery a criminal offence in the UK. It applies to every business, regardless of size.

This means that even very small firms must follow the same legal standards as large companies. Public sector buyers have a duty to check that suppliers meet these requirements.

Having a written policy shows that your business takes this seriously. It also gives you something to refer to if a situation ever arises that feels unclear.

A simple policy can protect both your reputation and your staff by setting out how to act if they're offered something they shouldn't accept.

When bidding for government contracts, you'll often be asked to confirm that your business has an anti-bribery policy in place. Being able to provide it saves time and helps buyers feel confident in working with you.

A short, clear document is all you need. It should be easy to understand and to share with your team. Once written, it becomes a simple but important part of your readiness to supply.

Why small businesses need one

Public buyers look for suppliers they can trust. A written anti-bribery and anti-corruption policy helps build that trust. It shows that your business understands its responsibilities and follows the law.

Many small firms already work to high ethical standards but may not have formal documents in place.

Putting those standards into writing helps you meet the expectations of public sector buyers. It also demonstrates that your business is organised and ready for larger opportunities.

When government departments or local authorities assess tenders, they often score suppliers on compliance.

Having a policy ready to share can strengthen your application and help you move through the process more smoothly.

Beyond procurement, the policy can support your wider reputation. It reassures clients, investors and partners that your business runs transparently and that you've set clear rules for everyone involved in delivering your work.

The Supply Connect report 2025 found that many small businesses want to work with government but feel unsure about what's required.

The report also showed that some lose time or miss opportunities because key documents aren't ready when tenders open. A short policy can close that gap and help you respond faster.

What your policy should include

Your anti-bribery and anti-corruption policy doesn't need to be long. A single page can cover everything a public buyer expects to see. The key is to write it clearly and keep it practical.

You can start by including these sections:

1. A statement of intent

Set out your position in a short paragraph. Say that your business doesn't tolerate bribery or corruption and that everyone involved in your work must follow this rule.

2. Examples of behaviour that isn't allowed

Explain what bribery looks like in everyday terms. Mention things such as giving gifts, offering favours or making payments to influence decisions. The clearer you are, the easier it is for staff and partners to understand.

3. Guidance for employees and contractors

Include a short note on what people should do if they're unsure about a situation or offered something that feels inappropriate. Make it easy for them to report concerns.

4. Responsibility and reporting

Name the person in your business who oversees compliance. In a small company, that'll often be the owner or director. Add a simple line on how staff should handle reports or questions.

5. Review and updates

Explain that you'll review the policy regularly to make sure it stays relevant. Once a year is usually enough.

Keep the language straightforward. Avoid legal jargon or complex phrasing. The aim is to write something that anyone in your business can read and understand without explanation.

Once it's written

Once you've written the policy, share it with your staff and contractors. Ask them to confirm they've read it. You can include it in staff handbooks, onboarding documents or supplier agreements.

The more visible it is, the more effective it becomes.

A simple policy like this helps prevent problems before they start. It gives you a clear reference point if a question arises and helps everyone in your business act with confidence.

VIDEO: Selling to government: A practical introduction to tendering

In this webinar, Melanie Bryan OBE DL demystifies the tendering process, draws on "real life" examples of small businesses and provides lots of practical tips on public procurement:

How to create an anti-bribery and anti-corruption policy

Writing a policy is straightforward once you know what to include. Most small businesses can create one in less than an hour.

You can find free templates online, but you'll need to adjust them to reflect your business's size and sector.

• Introduction: Start by writing a short introduction that explains why the policy exists. You can refer to the Bribery Act 2010 and say that your business follows it. Keep the focus on honesty, fairness and responsibility.

• What isn't allowed: Next, list the actions that aren't allowed. Cover areas such as payments, gifts, hospitality and conflicts of interest. Be specific so that your team knows where the boundaries are.

• Rules for contractors: If you work with contractors or partners, make it clear that the same rules apply to them. Public buyers will want to see that everyone connected to your work is covered.

• Reviewing: Once the document is written, review it carefully. Check that it fits the way your business operates. A short, tailored policy is always better than a copied one that doesn't match your work.

• Sharing: After you've finalised the policy, share it with your team. Add it to any internal documents or onboarding materials. Encourage staff to ask questions if something feels unclear. And make sure you keep a copy ready to share when you apply for contracts.

A written policy is only useful if people know it exists. Keep it visible, revisit it each year and update it whenever your business changes. A short review takes minutes and shows buyers that your business stays up to date with good practice.

Conclusion

A clear anti-bribery and anti-corruption policy shows that your business can be trusted to do the right thing. It tells buyers that you work within the law and that you expect the same from anyone connected to your business.

Small details like this can make a strong impression in public procurement. When a buyer reviews bids, they look for suppliers who are prepared and professional. Having key documents ready, including your anti-bribery policy, helps you stand out for the right reasons.

The process of writing this policy is also a good exercise for your business. It encourages you to think about how you make decisions, who represents you and how you manage relationships with clients and partners. These are habits that build confidence and reliability over time.

Through Supply Connect, small businesses can access practical support to put these foundations in place. The programme offers guidance and resources to help you meet government standards and bid for contracts with confidence.

If you're thinking about supplying to government, start with the basics. Create your anti-bribery policy and know that you've already taken one important step towards readiness.

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