Revised: 17th June 2024 

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 and corruption, 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 and corruption 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 advantage

All forms of bribery 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.

Raising concerns

We are committed to fostering a culture of openness and accountability. Anyone who becomes aware of potential bribery or corruption relating to our work is encouraged to raise concerns with a company director. Reports will be handled sensitively and, where appropriate, confidentially.

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
17th June 2025