New UK Government Policies Effecting Health Care & Pharmaceuticals

During 2010 the UK government will be introducing policies that clamp down on ‘gaining advantage’ (in other words - bribes!) of public officials - individuals within the UK or foreign governments).

This will mean that a company, and individuals within that company, could find themselves in court if it is deemed they have used infuencing tactics that create bias political decisions in their favour.

Companies will need to show that they have policies in place that prevent bribary, or influence that could be deemed as bribes. It is a little unclear what type of infuencing tactics would fall foul of this law, but clearly the giving of free products, goods or services, presents, holidays etc…. are likely to be considered a breaking of the law. The consequences of any company falling foul of this are numerous. CEO’s, M.D.’s and all other individuals responsible could find themselves facing fines or prison sentences.

The challenge is for all businesses, but perhaps particularly health care & pharmaaceutical companies (who could easily and unwittingly fall foul of this new law) to communicate the complexities of the law throughout their business. This is likely to involve managers of all levels needing to brief and present the laws and pitfalls to all key members of staff.

Some of my training assignments include supply of presentation skills and team briefing training programmes to various health care & pharmaceutical companies including Warner Lambert, Elly Lilly, Lonza and Glaxo SmithKline, so I can help companies face this challenge by training key staff to enable the effective presentation of such topics.