Revised: 8th January 2026

Our commitment

At Join Branch Ltd (“Branch”, “we,” “us,” or “our”), we are committed to conducting our business with honesty, transparency, and integrity. We take a zero-tolerance approach to bribery, corruption, and fraud, and we are committed to conducting our business in a professional and ethical manner.

We are a small UK-based organisation focused on supporting women returning to work after maternity leave. Although the risk of bribery, corruption, or fraud in our day-to-day work is low, we take our responsibilities seriously and strive to uphold the highest standards of conduct.

Who does this policy apply to?

This policy applies to:

• All employees, freelancers, and contractors

• Volunteers and interns

• Anyone acting on behalf of Branch in any capacity

We also expect our suppliers and partners to uphold similar standards.

What is bribery?

Bribery means offering, giving, receiving or soliciting something of value — such as money, gifts, or hospitality — to influence a person’s actions or decisions in an unfair or improper way.

Examples of bribery include:

• Offering or receiving a gift to secure a contract

• Making “facilitation payments” to speed up a service

• Providing hospitality with the intention of gaining an improper advantage

All forms of bribery and corruption are strictly prohibited.

Gifts and hospitality

We recognise that reasonable and proportionate hospitality can help build strong business relationships. Such gestures are acceptable only where:

• There is no intent to influence a business decision

• They are modest in value and appropriate to the context

• They are transparently given or received, not in secret

• They do not involve cash or cash equivalents (such as vouchers)

Any uncertainty about the appropriateness of a gift or offer should be referred to a company director before proceeding.

Anti-Fraud

What is fraud?

Fraud involves dishonest or deceptive behaviour intended to result in financial or personal gain, or to cause loss to another party.

Examples of fraud include:

• Misuse or misappropriation of company funds

• False expense claims or invoices

• Deliberate misrepresentation of information

• Unauthorised use of company or client assets

• Manipulation of financial or business records

• Fraudulent activity of any kind is strictly prohibited.

Fraud prevention and controls

Branch seeks to reduce the risk of fraud through proportionate controls appropriate to the size and nature of the organisation, including:

• Clear financial record-keeping and transparency

• Separation of responsibilities where practicable

• Oversight of payments and expenses by a director

• Use of reputable financial and SaaS platforms

• A culture of openness and accountability

Raising concerns

We are committed to fostering a culture of openness and accountability. Anyone who becomes aware of potential bribery, corruption, or fraud relating to our work is encouraged to raise concerns.

Concerns may be raised:

• Directly with a company director, or

• Via Branch’s whistleblowing process, including anonymous reporting

Reports will be handled sensitively and, where appropriate, confidentially. Branch will not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.

Record-keeping

We maintain clear and accurate financial records and ensure transparency around any gifts or hospitality offered or received in the course of our work.

Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains proportionate and appropriate to our size and operations. It does not form part of any employment contract and may be updated as needed to reflect changes in law or practice.

John Ridpath
Director, Branch
8th January 2026