ISO 37001: Foundation

The ISO 37001: Foundation course provides participants with a solid understanding of the requirements, structure, and practical application of an Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS) based on ISO 37001.

ISO 37001 is published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and sets out internationally recognized requirements for preventing, detecting, and responding to bribery in public, private, and non-profit sectors. The standard adopts a risk-based and proportionate approach, enabling organizations to implement effective anti-bribery controls aligned with their size, structure, and risk exposure.

This Foundation-level course moves beyond awareness and introduces participants to core ISO 37001 clauses, controls, roles, and implementation concepts, preparing them to support ABMS implementation, operation, auditing, and continual improvement, or to progress to advanced ISO 37001 certifications.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the purpose, scope, and benefits of ISO 37001

  • Interpret the structure and key requirements of an ABMS

  • Understand bribery risk assessment principles

  • Identify key anti-bribery controls and processes

  • Recognize roles and responsibilities defined by ISO 37001

  • Support the implementation and operation of an ABMS

  • Prepare for the ISO 37001 Foundation certification examination

Course Curriculum

1

    • Definition and forms of bribery
    • Direct and indirect bribery
    • Public and private sector bribery
    • Organizational and individual consequences

2

  • Purpose and scope of ISO 37001
  • Intended users of the standard
  • Benefits of ISO 37001 certification
  • Relationship with other ISO management system standards

3

  • High-Level Structure (Annex SL)
  • Context of the organization
  • Leadership and commitment
  • Planning, support, and operation
  • Performance evaluation and improvement

4

  • Anti-bribery policy requirements
  • Roles of governing body and top management
  • Compliance function responsibilities
  • Independence and authority

5

  • Identifying bribery risk factors
  • Risk assessment methodology
  • Risk evaluation and prioritization
  • Using risk results to define controls

6

  • Business associates and third parties
  • Due diligence processes
  • Contractual controls and monitoring
  • Managing mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships

7

  • Financial controls and record keeping
  • Non-financial controls
  • Gifts, hospitality, donations, and sponsorships
  • Conflicts of interest

8

  • Anti-bribery awareness programs
  • Training requirements
  • Internal and external communication
  • Promoting ethical culture

9

  • Reporting channels and procedures
  • Protection of whistleblowers
  • Investigating bribery concerns
  • Disciplinary actions and corrective measures

10

  • Monitoring ABMS effectiveness
  • Internal audit requirements
  • Management review
  • Continual improvement

11

  • Certification process overview
  • Roles of auditors and certification bodies
  • Common audit findings
  • Maintaining certification

12

  • Review of ISO 37001 Foundation syllabus
  • Sample questions and exam techniques
  • Certification exam guidance

13

  • Governance, risk, and compliance professionals
  • Internal auditors and assurance staff
  • Procurement, finance, and contract managers
  • Legal, ethics, and compliance officers
  • Senior managers and supervisors
  • Professionals preparing for ISO 37001 Foundation certification

14

  • No formal prerequisites
  • Basic understanding of governance, compliance, or risk management is beneficial

This course includes

  • 14+ Activity Modules
  • 40 hours + lessons
  • Lifetime access
  • Certificate of completion
  • Available on desktop and mobile

Some of Our Partners