Political activities and payments toolbox

Toolbox

Our policies, standards and other resources

We have more in-depth Group policies, standards and guidance covering different aspects of confidential information. You can find links to them here.

In addition, there may be specific policies and procedures that apply where you work. Your manager can tell you about these. If you are unsure then always ask your manager.

(Please note: some of our resources are only available to Serco employees. In this case, you’ll need to log in to MySerco to access them. If you have problems accessing them, please request a copy from your manager.)

Business Conduct and Ethics
One page statement defining Serco’s commitment to operating with integrity.

SMS-GS-BC2 Business Conduct and Ethics
Sets out the expected standards for individual and corporate behaviour in our business.

Anti-Bribery and Corruption Supplement
Provides a summary of our overall approach in managing bribery and corruption risk.

Definitions

An activity involving a Public Official but is NOT intended for general party support or for political campaigning that might involve the provision of resources including any property, services or facilities.

A lobbyist is an individual or an organisation who is employed to communicate with any public official to try to influence legislative or administrative action.

In some countries special laws and procedures govern the way lobbyists and consultants must behave. It’s important to know these and make sure we and anyone lobbying on our behalf always follow them.

This involves expenditures, cash or in kind, made directly or indirectly to a Public Official, political party or its branches, elected officials or political candidates or activities that involve political or public officials. This covers ‘Political Donations’, ‘Political sponsorship’ and ‘Activities involving political or public figures’.

It is a donation of money, goods or services made directly or indirectly to a Public Official, political party or its local branches that is given without charge or on non-commercial terms. Expenditures can be for general party support or for political campaigning. Some examples of donations include:

any gift of money, other resources or property (including free rent of facilities);
any sponsorship provided in relation to the party or Public Official to help them:
- with any conference, meeting or other event
- with any conference, meeting or other event
- the preparation, production or distribution of any publication
any study or research;
any subscription or other fee paid for affiliation to, or membership of, a political party;
any money spent (otherwise than by or on behalf of the party) in paying any expenses incurred directly or indirectly by the party or Public Official;
the provision otherwise than on commercial terms of any property, services or facilities for the use or benefit of the party or Public Official (including the services of any person).

Also known as an industry trade group, business association, sector association or industry body) - is an organisation founded and funded by a group of companies and/or individuals with common interests or who work in the same industry. They act as a representative body for the industry they represent, putting forward the collective view and position of its members. As the ‘industry voice’, trade associations sometimes speak on behalf of their members to government, agencies, regulators, the media and other opinion formers.

If you're a manager

Ensure due diligence is carried out and log any engagement with an elected politician, their adviser, or another government official who is covered by local lobbying laws and who is not a direct customer.
Ensure information provided to governments and regulatory bodies on behalf of Serco is accurate and complete.
Only attend an event hosted by a political party for briefing or other legitimate business purposes and ensure it will not compromise Serco’s impartiality.
Do not approve or make any political donations on behalf of Serco or use Serco money or resources to support political activities.
Make sure all exceptional Political Donations and activities are recorded in Assure.