Tag: compliance

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31 Days to More Effective Compliance Programs

One Month to More Effective HR in Compliance: Day 3 – The Hiring Process

When it comes to hiring, it’s important to consider compliance, especially when it comes to family members of foreign government officials or employees of state-owned enterprises. In this podcast episode, Tom Fox discussed the importance of using the skill, will and fit approach to interviewing to try to weed out those persons who might not fit with the organization on an ethical and cultural basis.

The skill, will and fit approach to interviewing involves asking open-ended questions to determine whether the employee takes ownership of their work and has the hunger and creativity to succeed. For example, questions like “What’s the biggest impact you had at your past organization?” and “What do you want to do in five years?” can help to assess whether an employee might have a propensity to engage in bribery and corruption.

Tom also discussed the importance of having a frank discussion with prospective hires about what is expected of them in terms of engaging with the community. He used the example of the Houston Dash, a professional women’s soccer team, who are active in the local community and encourage their players to adopt local charities and become involved. This puts the importance of interacting with the public into their interview process.

There are three questions to analyze the hiring of a family member of a foreign government official or employee of a state-owned enterprise:

1. Does the candidate meet your hiring requirements?

2. Does the foreign official whose family member you are considering for hire demand or suggest that the company hire this prospective candidate?

3. Has the foreign official made or will make a decision which will benefit your company?

He also emphasized the importance of documenting any decisions made in order to avoid violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). Additionally, he encouraged organizations to operationalize their compliance programs and to have a second set of eyes in the hiring process to provide another level of oversight.

When it comes to hiring, HR has a dual role with both a traditional hiring and a compliance function. Introducing the topic of compliance at the pre-employment stage may encourage potential employees with a propensity to engage in bribery and corruption to take their skills elsewhere. By using the skill, will and fit approach to interviewing, organizations can assess whether an employee might have a propensity to engage in bribery and corruption, and operationalize their compliance programs to ensure that all hiring decisions are documented and have a second set of eyes for oversight.

Three key takeaways:

  1. Use the interview process to determine who will be an ethical and compliance fit for your organization.
  2. Consider the skill, will and fit approach.
  3. Ask open-ended questions.

For more information, check out The Compliance Handbook, 4th edition, available on LexisNexis.com.

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31 Days to More Effective Compliance Programs

One Month to More Effective HR in Compliance: Day 2 – The Role of HR in Creating an Ethical Culture

Welcome to the August edition of One Month to a More Effective Compliance Program. In the month of August, 2023 we will consider the role of Human Resources in a best practices compliance program.

Creating an ethical culture in the workplace is essential for any business. Not only does it ensure that employees are making the right decisions, but it also helps to protect the company from potential legal and financial repercussions. But how do you create an ethical environment?

HR can play a key role in this process. They can provide employees with the tools and resources they need to make ethical decisions, such as a personal network for informal guidance and the opportunity to consult with advisory functions. Additionally, HR should support employees who want to do the right thing and ensure that those who speak up are not discriminated against or held back from promotion.

Written protocols are also important for the detection and prevention of unethical behavior. Companies should consider if their compensation system is based on performance or something else, and ensure that incentives are not driving behaviors that are counter to long-term success. Bonus payments and executive share schemes should not be based on short-term business metrics, and cross-cultural differences should be taken into account.

Leadership also plays an important role in creating an ethical culture. Senior leadership should set the tone from the top and reward ethical behavior, while also seeking out diverse opinions and breaking down silos in the corporate organization. Additionally, a speak-up culture should be encouraged to ensure that unethical behavior is not tolerated.

Finally, employees need to understand the organization’s underlying culture in order to make ethical decisions. Companies should ensure that employees have the tools and resources they need to make informed decisions, and that they are not pushed too much change from the top, too quickly and too frequently.

Creating an ethical culture in the workplace is essential for any business. By utilizing HR, written protocols, and leadership, companies can ensure that employees have the tools and resources they need to make ethical decisions. This will help to protect the company from potential legal and financial repercussions, while also creating an environment where employees feel supported and empowered to do the right thing.

Three key takeaways:

  1. Beware of the three obstacles to creating an ethical culture.
  2. What really matters in your company?
  3. A speak up culture will improve the operational performance of your business.

For more information, check out The Compliance Handbook, 4th edition, here.

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Compliance Into the Weeds

Compliance into the Weeds: SEC Rules for Cyber Breach Disclosure

The award winning, Compliance into the Weeds is the only weekly podcast which takes a deep dive into a compliance related topic, literally going into the weeds to more fully explore a subject. Looking for some hard-hitting insights on sanctions compliance? Look no further than Compliance into the Weeds! In this episode, Tom and Matt consider the new SEC rules on cyber breach disclosures.

This new era of cyber security calls for increased accountability and transparency from companies to protect investors and citizens from cyber threats. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently adopted new cyber disclosure rules requiring companies to disclose material cybersecurity incidents and risks in their annual reports. This policy change will require companies to analyze and disclose the impacts of any material cybersecurity incidents, as well as any potential exemptions from disclosure that companies may seek.

 Key Highlights 

·      New Cyber Breach Disclosure Rules

·      Material Breaches

·      Role of the Board

 Resources

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31 Days to More Effective Compliance Programs

One Month to More Effective HR in Compliance: Day 1 – The Role of HR in Compliance

When it comes to operationalizing a successful compliance program, HR is an essential part of the equation. HR has many touch points with employees, from interviews to onboarding, and can be used to connect the dots in many divergent elements of a compliance and ethics program. HR can take the lead in operationalizing compliance at each of these touch points, such as pre-employment screening and interviewing, onboarding training, annual assessments and reviews, and promotions to exit strategies.

The Compliance Podcast Network’s One Month to a More Effective Compliance Program provides four steps to ensure an effective compliance program. These steps include establishing a consistent application of disciplinary actions and incentives across the organization, utilizing an incentive system to incentivize compliance and ethical behavior, and providing examples of actions taken, such as promotions and awards denied as a result of compliance and ethical considerations. Additionally, it is important to determine who determines the compensation, including bonuses, as well as discipline and promotion of compliance personnel.

HR can help operationalize a compliance program by getting the message out through their distribution channel. They can also utilize their expertise and talent to more fully communicate compliance concepts. This could include ongoing communications with prospective, newly hired, and seasoned employees about the need for ethical dealings and compliance with company values. It is also important to have a shared commitment requirement found in the commitment of senior management as well as the requirements around incentives and discipline.

The 2023 guidance from the Department of Justice Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs listed several HR touch points as best practices for a successful compliance program. These include senior leaders and middle management stakeholders, such as business and operational managers, finance, procurement, legal, and human resources, demonstrating their commitment to compliance and remediation efforts. HR can be one of the linchpins in spreading a company’s commitment to doing business ethically and in compliance throughout the employee base.

Incentive and discipline processes should involve participants in making disciplinary decisions for the type of misconduct at issue. Reasons for discipline should be communicated to employees. Compliance should be operationalized into the very fabric of a business. Have a cup of coffee with the head of corporate HR to find out what they do, how they do it, and what they do on a daily basis. This will help you to better understand how HR can help operationalize your compliance program.

By following the four steps outlined in the Compliance Podcast Network’s One Month to a More Effective Compliance Program, you can ensure your compliance program is successful and that your employees are aware of their responsibilities. HR can be a powerful tool in operationalizing your compliance program, and by utilizing their expertise and talent, you can more effectively communicate compliance concepts and spread the company’s commitment to doing business ethically and in compliance throughout the employee base.

Three key takeaways:

  1. What are the HR-employee touchpoints at your company?
  2. HR professionals can bring new, dynamic and innovative techniques to compliance
  3. Go down and have a cup of coffee with the head of your corporate HR department. Find out what they do and how they do it.

For more information, check out The Compliance Handbook, 4th edition, here.

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Daily Compliance News

Daily Compliance News: August 1, 2023 – The Accident Waiting to Happen Edition

Welcome to the Daily Compliance News. Each day, Tom Fox, the Voice of Compliance brings to you compliance-related stories to start your day. Sit back, enjoy a cup of morning coffee, and listen in to the Daily Compliance News. All, from the Compliance Podcast Network. Each day we consider four stories from the business world, compliance, ethics, risk management, leadership, or general interest for the compliance professional.

  • Binance founder draws scrutiny from German regulator. (WSJ)
  • Lead FBI agent talks about Householder case. (Columbus Dispatch)
  • US asks SCt to delay Purdue Pharma settlement. (Reuters)
  • eBike for adult or motorcycle for kids: disaster in the offing. (NYT)
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FCPA Compliance Report

FCPA Compliance Report – Peter Grossman and Duane Stumpf on Crafting Impactful Compliance Campaigns

Welcome to the award-winning FCPA Compliance Report, the longest-running podcast in compliance. In this episode, Tom welcomes Peter Grossman, Co-Founder, Chief Strategist at Labyrinth Training, and Duane Stumpf, Global Head of Integrity and Compliance at Alcon.

Starting with a 70s-style rock and roll music number, Alcon Vision’s interactive, animated compliance training program, developed in conjunction with Labyrinth Training, has been recognized with high praise, receiving an Anthem Award and two Telly Awards. This program was created to make the company’s Lens Policy more memorable and engaging.

This podcast episode focuses on creating impactful campaigns and stresses the need for creativity, mission, and quality work. This episode features Tom Fox, Peter Grossman, and Duane Stumpf discussing how the program’s success effectively delivers important lessons in ways people will remember and enjoy. Through this episode, the trio offers great insight into developing meaningful campaigns that will have a lasting impact.

Key Highlights:

  • The Lens Policy
  • Creating Compliance Storytelling
  • Compliance Training Musical
  • Dr. Louis’ Musical Number
  • Award-Winning Compliance Training
  • Creating Impactful Campaigns

Resources:

Peter Grossman on LinkedIn

Labyrinth Training

Duane Stumpf on LinkedIn

THE LENS

CALL DR LOUIS

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Adventures in Compliance

Adventures in Compliance – Leadership Lessons from the Five Orange Pips

Welcome to a review of all the Sherlock Holmes stories which are collected in the work, “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.” The appeared in the Strand Magazine from July 1891 to June 1892. Over 12 episodes, I will be reviewing each story and mine them for leadership, compliance and ethical lessons. In this episode, I consider “The Five Orange Pips” which was originally published on the Strand Magazine in November 1891 and is included in the collection of stories found in the book ‘The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes’.

Summary

The story begins when a young man named John Openshaw seeks Holmes’ help. John has received a mysterious letter from abroad containing five dried orange pips and the initials “K.K.K.”, along with a demand to “put the papers on the sundial”. Both his uncle, Elias, who lived in America for several years, and his father had previously received similar letters and subsequently died under suspicious circumstances.

Sherlock deduces that K.K.K. represents the Ku Klux Klan, a racist group from the United States, and the five orange pips are a death threat, previously sent to John’s relatives who had disobeyed the order to surrender certain papers. Elias Openshaw, John’s uncle, had made enemies during his time in the US due to his involvement with the group, and the papers likely hold some dangerous information about them.

Holmes advises John to return home, find the papers, and turn them over. Unfortunately, before this could happen, John is found dead, apparently drowned after falling into a small river.

Holmes sends a reply to the Klan’s address in America, mimicking their style by including five orange pips in the envelope. He suspects that the people responsible for John’s death were on a sailing ship called the Lone Star. While Holmes is unable to bring the criminals to justice directly, the Lone Star is reported to have been lost at sea in a storm, implying a form of poetic justice.

This story ends on a somber note, as it is one of the few cases that Holmes is unable to solve in time to prevent a tragic death. 

Leadership Lessons 

1.         Be proactive: Holmes was proactive in investigating the case of the five orange pips, even when there was limited information available. Leaders should also be proactive and take the initiative to solve problems and achieve their goals.

2.         Persevere: Holmes persevered in his investigation of the case, even when the trail seemed to have gone cold. Leaders should also persevere and not give up in the face of challenges or obstacles.

3.         Stay focused: Holmes stayed focused on his investigation and did not let distractions or other cases interfere with his work. Leaders should also stay focused on their goals and avoid being sidetracked by distractions.

4.         Use creative thinking: Holmes used his creative thinking and innovative approaches to solve the case of the five orange pips. Leaders should also encourage and embrace creative thinking, as it can lead to new solutions and breakthroughs.

5.         Be vigilant: Holmes was vigilant and kept a watchful eye for any clues or developments in the case of the five orange pips. Leaders should also be vigilant and keep a watchful eye for any opportunities or threats that may impact their organization.

Resources

The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes

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31 Days to More Effective Compliance Programs

One Month to More Effective Reporting and Investigations – The Parameters of Privileges

The concept of privilege in an internal investigation is critical. Two important privileges are the attorney-client privilege and the work product privilege. Unfortunately, both are often misunderstood, miss-applied and consequently lost. To determine whether you have a valid privilege claim, it is incumbent to understand the parameters of the attorney-client privilege. In presentation, entitled “Attorney-Client Privilege ”, David E. Keltner, Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP, Elizabeth Brummett and Adrienne Parham, both from University of Texas Law School, wrote that under U.S. federal law, the attorney-client privilege applies when the following are present:

  1.  A client is seeking legal advice or a lawyer’s services;
  2. The person to whom the communication is made is a lawyer or his or her representative;
  3. The communication relates to a fact disclosed from a client (a representative) to a lawyer (a representative);
  4. Strangers are not present;
  5. A client requires confidentiality.

In addition to the attorney-client privilege there is another privilege which can come into play around internal investigations. It is the attorney work-product doctrine. Keltner noted, “The attorney-client privilege and the attorney work-product doctrine are often asserted interchangeably. While there is some overlap between the two, the attorney-client privilege is significantly different than the attorney work-product doctrine.” Moreover as “codified in Fed R.Civ. P. 26(b)(3), [the attorney/work product] provides a qualified protection to materials prepared by party’s counsel or other representative in the anticipation of litigation.” The doctrine exists “because it permits lawyers to “work with a certain degree of privacy, free from unnecessary intrusion by opposing parties . . .””

Three key takeaways:

  1. Note the differences in the attorney-client privilege and attorney work-product doctrine.
  2. Both can be waived intentionally or through inadvertent conduct.
  3. Take care on attorney work-product outside the U.S., where there may be no privilege at all.
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10 For 10

10 For 10: Top Compliance Stories For the Week Ending July 29, 2023

Welcome to 10 For 10, the podcast which brings you the week’s Top 10 compliance stories in one podcast each week. Tom Fox, the Voice of Compliance brings to you, the compliance professional, the compliance stories you need to be aware of to end your busy week. Sit back, and in 10 minutes hear about the stories every compliance professional should be aware of from the prior week. Every Saturday, 10 For 10 highlights the most important news, insights, and analysis for the compliance professional, all curated by the Voice of Compliance, Tom Fox. Get your weekly filling of compliance stories with 10 for 10, a podcast produced by the Compliance Podcast Network.

  • Zelensky warns about corruption. (FT)
  • Ukraine tackles corruption. (EuroNews)
  • New cyber disclosure rules go into effect. (AP)
  • Najib deposed in 1MDB case. (Bloomberg)
  • Cognizant investigation not outsourced. (WSJ)
  • DWS closes in on settling greenwashing charges. (FT)
  • Prosecutors want SBF jailed pre-trial. (WSJ)
  • DOJ revamps Crypto enforcement team. (WSJ)
  • Altice co-founder denies corruption. (Reuters)
  • US consultancies struggle in China after raids. (FT)

You can check out the Daily Compliance News for four curated compliance and ethics related stories each day, here.

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31 Days to More Effective Compliance Programs

One Month to More Effective Reporting and Investigations – Miranda Warnings for Employees?

Must an investigator warn an employee that concealing information from company lawyers conducting an internal FCPA investigation could be a federal crime? Even if the company attorneys provided the now standard corporate attorney Upjohn warning? Does a company attorney asking questions morph into a de facto federal agent during an internal company investigation regarding alleged FCPA violations and is the attorney thereby required to provide a Miranda warning to employees during said investigation?

Employees who are subject to being interviewed or otherwise required to cooperate in an internal investigation may find themselves on the sharp horns of a dilemma requiring either (1) cooperating with the internal investigation or (2) losing their jobs for failure to cooperate by providing documents, testimony or other evidence. Many U.S. businesses mandate full employee cooperation with internal investigations or those handled by outside counsel on behalf of a corporation. These requirements can exert a coercive force, “often inducing employees to act contrary to their personal legal interests in favor of candidly disclosing wrongdoing to corporate counsel.” Moreover, such a corporate policy may permit a company to claim to the government a spirit of cooperation in the hopes of avoiding prosecution in addition to increasing the chances of earning meaningful credit under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines or the FCPA Corporate Enforcement Policy.

Three key takeaways:

  1. Make sure you provide an Upjohn warning.
  2. If an employee demands counsel to represent them during an internal investigation, who bears the cost?
  3. Always check state law requirements around internal investigations.