Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy

Vape Superstore is committed to conducting business in an ethical and transparent manner. We recognise that bribery and corruption are serious issues that can harm businesses, individuals, and society. As part of our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, we comply with the UK’s Bribery Act 2010 and have implemented this Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy to prevent bribery and corruption within our business operations and supply chain.

Policy Statement

Vape Superstore has a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption. We are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in all of our business dealings. No employee, contractor, or supplier should offer, request, or accept bribes or other forms of corruption. We take all reasonable steps to prevent bribery and corruption in both our internal operations and our supply chain.

Our Commitment

Vape Superstore is committed to:

  • Compliance with the Bribery Act 2010: We comply with all requirements outlined in the Bribery Act 2010, which prohibits offering, promising, giving, requesting, or accepting bribes in both the public and private sectors.
  • Zero Tolerance Policy: We will not tolerate bribery or corruption of any kind. All employees, contractors, and suppliers must adhere to this policy and are expected to report any suspected cases of bribery or corruption immediately.
  • Integrity in Business Transactions: We expect our employees, contractors, suppliers, and business partners to act with integrity, fairness, and transparency in all dealings and relationships.
  • Protection from Retaliation: Any individual who reports a suspected bribery or corruption incident will be protected from retaliation and victimisation. We have a whistleblowing policy in place to ensure that concerns are addressed confidentially and effectively.

Bribery and Corruption Defined

Bribery refers to offering, promising, giving, accepting, or soliciting anything of value (including money, gifts, favours, or services) to influence the actions of another person. Corruption refers to the abuse of power for personal gain or the benefit of others, such as using influence to obtain contracts, business advantages, or personal gain in exchange for improper conduct.

Risk Assessment

Vape Superstore conducts regular risk assessments to identify areas of our business where there may be a higher risk of bribery or corruption. This includes evaluating our supply chain, relationships with third parties, and interactions with government officials. We take steps to mitigate these risks through the following:

  • Due diligence when selecting suppliers and partners, including background checks to assess their ethical practices.
  • Ongoing training for employees and partners on recognising and avoiding bribery and corruption.
  • Clear and transparent processes for decision-making, ensuring that no one can be influenced by improper financial or other incentives.

Training and Awareness

All employees at Vape Superstore are required to undergo anti-bribery and corruption training as part of their induction and on an ongoing basis. This training covers:

  • Understanding the legal implications of bribery and corruption.
  • How to identify and report potential instances of bribery or corruption.
  • Our policies and procedures for handling suspected bribery or corruption.

Reporting Suspected Bribery or Corruption

Employees, contractors, and suppliers are encouraged to report any concerns related to bribery or corruption. If you suspect that bribery or corruption is occurring within our organisation or in our supply chain, you should immediately report it to our designated Compliance Officer or through our whistleblowing procedures. All reports will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action will be taken.

Consequences of Breaching the Policy

Any employee, contractor, or supplier found to be involved in bribery or corruption will face serious consequences, which may include disciplinary action, termination of employment or contracts, and legal action. We will take all necessary steps to hold individuals accountable for any breaches of this policy.

Review and Continuous Improvement

We regularly review this Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy to ensure its effectiveness and to make any necessary improvements. This policy is reviewed annually to ensure that it remains relevant to our operations and complies with all applicable laws and regulations.

Conclusion

Vape Superstore is committed to operating with the highest level of integrity and ethics in everything we do. By following this Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy, we will ensure that our business practices remain transparent, accountable, and free from bribery and corruption. We are dedicated to fostering an ethical environment where all employees and business partners adhere to these principles, ensuring that our supply chain is free from unethical practices.