Conflicts and Corruption

Anti-bribery and corruption

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We are committed to conducting business with a high level of integrity and do not tolerate any form of bribery or corruption. We also ensure that we interact ethically with our stakeholders, including suppliers, consultants and government officials.

This means that we:

  • Never bribe or accept bribes, either directly or indirectly or through third parties acting on our behalf
  • Do not offer, promise or give anything of value to influence decision-making to secure ourselves or Skanska an undue advantage, either when interacting with government officials or representatives of companies
  • Avoid situations that may give the appearance of bribery, corruption or other inappropriate behavior
  • Do not make facilitation payments
  • Engage third parties to represent Skanska (intermediaries) only for legitimate business reasons, with services that are properly documented and accounted for
Remember: You will not face any adverse consequences for refusing to pay bribes, even if it means a loss of business.

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Bribery is the act of offering, promising, giving, accepting or asking for anything of value in return for an unfair or undue advantage. Bribery is generally illegal, unethical and a breach of trust.

This is anyone affiliated with a government agency, including politicians, government employees at any level, candidates for political office, employees of an international organization, or directors, officers or employees of a wholly or partly government-owned or -controlled company.

Corruption is the abuse of entrusted power, often for private gain. It takes many forms, like bribery, embezzlement or fraud, and can occur in both the private and public sectors.

It refers to a payment, often small, given to public officials to facilitate or speed up routine actions, such as issuing permits, and is generally considered a form of bribery.

It could be money, gifts, favors, rebates, charitable donations, sponsorship, a job offer or anything else that could be valuable to the recipient.

Be clear on bribery

Payments are still bribes if they are:

  • In-kind benefits rather than cash (such as holidays, job opportunities or home renovations)
  • Paid to someone else (such as a charitable donation or an internship for a family member)
  • Received after the favor has already been done as a thank-you
  • Not accepted – the offer or suggestion is enough

The following statements will not excuse bribery:

  • “If only we had known that it would be viewed as a bribe.”
  • “The only way to compete is to pay bribes.”
  • “I offered some quite luxurious hospitality to a prospective client, but they did not accept it, nor did they award the contract to us”
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In the region where I work, we can pay a published fee to receive a fast-track building permit. Is this acceptable?

Yes. In this case, the fee is officially published, transparent, payable to a public authority and available to all applicants. It is therefore not considered a facilitation payment. Consult with your Legal team whenever you are in doubt.

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We have submitted a proposal for a project to a potential customer, who tells the team that our chances of winning the project would be improved by donating to their charitable foundation. Is this acceptable?

No. The donation would be inappropriate because it could be seen as an attempt to influence our chances of succeeding with the project proposal. This would violate our Code and potentially the law. Decline to make the donation, politely explain our policy and report this to the Legal team.

Questions or concerns?

If you have routine queries, your manager is the place to start. For more complex matters, contact your Ethics or Legal teams.

For more information

(Accessible by Skanska employees only)

Skanska Group Anti-Corruption Policy

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