The Secretary of State for Justice in the United Kingdom yesterday announced that the UK Bribery Act would come into force on 1 July 2011. The long-awaited guidance document on the UK Bribery Act 2011 was yesterday published by the Ministry of Justice in the United Kingdom. The document provides guidance on the procedures that affected commercial organisations should implement to avoid potential liability under the UK Bribery Act. A complete copy of the guidance published by the Ministry of Justice is available here.

In addition to providing guidance on anti-bribery procedures under sections 1, 6 and 7 of the UK Bribery Act, the guidance note also includes 11 practical case studies in an appendix to the document.

Early reaction to the guidance has generally been positive: "'The International Chamber of Commerce has long supported the modernisation of the UK law on bribery. The publication of guidance today, following consultation with business, is a welcome step in providing greater certainty for businesses operating internationally. This additional clarity is particularly welcome in important areas such as corporate hospitality and the treatment of joint ventures." - Stephen Pattison, Director at the International Chamber of Commerce (UK).

Please do not hesitate to contact the White Collar Crime and Forensics Team at Bowman Gilfillan should you have any queries concerning the applicability of the UK Bribery Act to your business or the establishment of appropriate procedures to ensure compliance with the Act.