How effective is the Bribery Act? Lords Committee to hear from NHS Counter Fraud and legal professionals
The House of Lords Bribery Act 2010 Committee will continue to take evidence as part of its post-legislative scrutiny inquiry from the NHS Counter Fraud Authority, NHS Counter Fraud Services, barristers and solicitors, on Tuesday 20 November.
The Committee's inquiry is tasked with examining: the effectiveness of the Bribery Act 2010; whether there has been stricter prosecution of corrupt conduct, a higher conviction rate, and a reduction of such conduct; the impact of the Act on SMEs; and the use of Deferred Prosecution Agreements in relation to bribery offences.
Giving evidence to the Committee at 10.30am will be:
- Amanda Pinto QC – Vice-Chair Elect, Bar Council
- Laura Dunseath – Principle Associate, Barrister, Corporate Crime and Investigations, Eversheds Sutherland
- Neil Swift – Partner, Peters & Peters
They will be asked questions including:
- Do you think understanding of the Bribery Act, and specific wording, is improving with time?
- How effective are the UK's law enforcement organisations when it comes to investigating and prosecuting bribery?
- Are Deferred Prosecution Agreements working effectively in relations to the Bribery Act 2010?
Giving evidence to the Committee at 11.30am will be:
- Richard Rippin – NHS Counter Fraud Authority (England & Wales)
- Eddie McGinney – NHS Counter Fraud Services (Scotland)
Questions are likely to include:
- What do the NHS Counter Fraud Authority and Services, respectively, do to tackle bribery within the NHS?
- What kind of anti-bribery and corruption checks does the NHS do with respect to the contractors and sub-contractors in its supply chain?
- How do you handle cases where whistleblowers report allegations of bribery to you, either within the NHS itself or its contractors?
The evidence session will start at 10.30am in Committee Room 4 on Tuesday 20 November 2018.
