Last updated: 01.01.2026
O Architecture (“the Practice”, “we”, or “us”) is committed to conducting its business activities with honesty, integrity, and transparency. The Practice maintains a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and corruption and seeks to ensure that all professional activities are conducted in accordance with the highest ethical standards.
This policy outlines the principles and procedures adopted by O Architecture to prevent bribery and corruption and to ensure compliance with the UK Bribery Act 2010 and other applicable legislation.
1. Purpose of This Policy
The purpose of this policy is to:
- prevent bribery and corruption in all aspects of the Practice’s operations
- ensure compliance with the UK Bribery Act 2010
- promote ethical and transparent business practices
- protect the reputation and professional integrity of the Practice
- provide guidance to individuals working with or on behalf of O Architecture.
This policy reflects the Practice’s commitment to responsible professional conduct and transparent business relationships.
2. Scope of This Policy
This policy applies to all individuals associated with the Practice, including:
- employees
- architectural consultants and collaborators
- contractors and freelancers
- suppliers and professional service providers
- agents or representatives acting on behalf of the Practice.
All individuals involved in the Practice’s activities are expected to comply with the principles outlined in this policy.
3. Definition of Bribery and Corruption
Bribery is defined as offering, promising, giving, requesting, or accepting something of value in order to influence the actions or decisions of another party in a business or professional context.
Examples of bribery may include:
- offering money or gifts to influence planning or development decisions
- providing excessive hospitality to secure professional advantage
- offering services or benefits in exchange for preferential treatment
- requesting financial or personal benefits in return for awarding work or contracts.
Corruption refers to dishonest or unethical conduct undertaken to gain an improper business advantage.
4. Prohibited Conduct
The following conduct is strictly prohibited:
- offering or giving bribes to obtain or retain business
- requesting or accepting bribes or improper advantages
- offering gifts or hospitality intended to improperly influence decisions
- making payments intended to secure unfair commercial advantage
- engaging in corrupt practices through intermediaries or third parties.
The Practice does not tolerate bribery or corruption in any form.
5. Facilitation Payments
Facilitation payments are unofficial payments made to secure or expedite routine administrative processes.
Such payments are illegal under the UK Bribery Act 2010 and are strictly prohibited.
Individuals acting on behalf of the Practice must not make facilitation payments under any circumstances.
6. Gifts and Hospitality
The Practice recognises that reasonable and proportionate hospitality may occur in professional contexts such as industry events, networking activities, or client meetings.
However, gifts or hospitality must:
- be reasonable and proportionate
- not be intended to influence professional decisions
- comply with applicable laws and professional standards
- be appropriate and transparent.
Excessive or inappropriate gifts or hospitality are not permitted.
7. Conflicts of Interest
Individuals working with or on behalf of the Practice must avoid situations where personal interests may conflict with the interests of O Architecture or its clients.
Examples of potential conflicts may include:
- personal financial interests in suppliers or contractors
- accepting benefits that could influence professional judgement
- relationships that may affect impartial decision-making.
Potential conflicts of interest should be disclosed promptly so that appropriate action can be taken.
8. Third-Party Relationships
The Practice seeks to work with reputable clients, consultants, contractors, and suppliers who share its commitment to ethical business practices.
Where appropriate, O Architecture may conduct reasonable due diligence when entering into professional relationships.
Third parties acting on behalf of the Practice are expected to comply with applicable anti-bribery legislation and ethical standards.
9. Reporting Concerns
Individuals who become aware of suspected bribery or corrupt practices relating to the Practice’s activities should report the matter promptly.
All concerns will be taken seriously and reviewed appropriately.
The Practice encourages the reporting of genuine concerns and aims to ensure that individuals raising concerns are treated fairly.
10. Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action, termination of professional relationships, or other appropriate measures.
Where illegal conduct is suspected, the Practice may report the matter to the relevant authorities.
11. Monitoring and Review
O Architecture will review this policy periodically to ensure that it remains effective and aligned with current legislation and professional best practices.
Where necessary, the Practice may update its procedures to strengthen compliance and risk management.
12. Commitment
O Architecture is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional integrity in all its activities.
All individuals associated with the Practice are expected to uphold these standards and contribute to a culture of transparency, professionalism, and ethical conduct.