All forms of bribery and corruption are completely prohibited (Zero Tolerance) at PDCA International Ltd. PDCA International Ltd. and all personnel related to the respective programs shall not solicit, accept, or facilitate any form of benefit or value including currency, goods, services, or entertainment from any party directly or indirectly related to a social compliance service. As it is not possible to always understand the motivations of the individual providing the benefit or value, there is no minimum threshold for any items received. PDCA International Ltd. and all personnel related to the respective programs shall not accept meals, except for beverages such as water, coffee, tea, or soda which are customarily provided to visitors at the facility, from any party directly or indirectly related to a social compliance service. To the extent an auditor is provided any meal from any party directly or indirectly related to a social compliance service, the Member shall pay for the meal at the current market rate and obtain a receipt to evidence payment.
In most circumstances, the Verifier/auditor/inspector/trainer arranges their own meals before, during, and after the Verification/audit/inspection/training.
In some situations, it may be appropriate for the facility to provide a meal (typically a lunch) to the Verifier/inspector/assessor/auditor/trainer during the service.
The facility is far away (more than 20 minutes) from lunch options or does not have available transport.
There are safety concerns for the respective personnel to leave the facility to eat.
If the facility does provide lunch, the following rules shall apply.
The facility knows and understands that they are not obligated to provide a meal.
The meal shall be inexpensive (not more than $20 USD).
The facility may make the meal (i.e. in the facility Canteen), as long as the verifiera/auditora™s/assesora™s meal is the same as the facility employees eat.
Alcohol or any form of drink except water and tea is strictly prohibited.
The auditor shall pay for the transportation at the current market rate and obtain a receipt to evidence payment
If PDCA and the related personnel in the respective program is unsure if they should accept a meal from the facility because there is a concern that it could be viewed as a bribe or be questioned for ethical considerations, it is recommended that they do not accept the meal.
If a meal was accepted and there is any concern at any time during or after the service that it could be viewed as a bribe or be questioned for ethical considerations, the related personnel shall contact the Line Manager and inform the situation and what occurred.
