Rules about gifts and other benefits for UiB employees

Norwegian version

Approved by the University Board in a meeting on 14 February 2008.

Section 1. General rules for the acceptance of gifts and other benefits

UiB employees must not accept gifts or other benefits for themselves or others that can be used to, or that the giftor intends to, affect their actions in the service of UiB, or that otherwise violate laws, regulations, ethical guidelines or other rules applicable to UiB employees.

«Gifts and other benefits» means, for instance, goods, services, commissions, tickets to events, travel, hotel bookings, food or coverage of expenses.

Money or valuables that correspond to money, such as loans and rebates etc., must never be accepted.

Special care must be taken when gifts and other benefits are offered in connection with negotiations, the entering or completion of agreements, etc. If anyone receives an offer that can be understood as undue influence or an attempt to unduly influence, the offer must be rejected and must be reported to the immediate supervisor.

Section 2. Rules for recipients of gifts and other benefits

UiB employees may accept gifts or other benefits valued at up to NOK 300 provided this does not violate the general rules in section 1.

If anyone has accepted a gift or other advantage valued above NOK 300, the recipient must submit the gift to their immediate supervisor for evaluation. Gift or other benefits must also be submitted if there is doubt about their value.

Section 3. Senior supervisor’s processing of submitted gifts and other benefits

The senior supervisor may permit a recipient to retain gifts and other benefits valued at up to NOK 1,000 if this is considered negligible in relation to the employee’s performance of the work, or if it cannot harm UiB’s interests. In other cases, the gift must be returned to the giftor with reference to UiB’s rules about gifts.

Gifts received in connection with representation for UiB must be given to the University Director if valued at more than NOK 3,000. The gift can otherwise be kept by the unit of the person who has represented UiB and received the gift.

If an offered or accepted gift or benefit violates the general rules in section 1, the University Director must be notified. Received gifts shall be returned to the giftor with reference to UiB’s rules about gifts.

Section 4. Invitations to dinners, social events, etc.

Social business events such as dinners, events, etc. paid by suppliers or other partners can take place to a limited extent and their frequency, degree and value must be reasonably proportionate to business requirements. Such business-related socialising must in no case be suitable to affect decision-making processes or harm UiB’s interests.

Invitations to such social events must be submitted to the immediate supervisor, who must decide whether to permit participation.

Section 5. Travel etc. in the service of UiB

When suppliers or other partners offer travel to visit factories, to courses, conferences, etc., UiB shall as a general rule cover expenses for travel, accommodation and per diem costs.

If the employee is to make professional contributions or the like in connection with the trip, travel expenses may be covered in accordance with applicable customs.

Travel must always be approved by a senior supervisor.

Section 6. Private use of framework agreements

Framework agreements entered with UiB’s suppliers about the supply of goods and services cannot be used privately by UiB employees for themselves or their associates, unless the framework agreement contains explicit general rebates etc. for all UiB employees.

Section 7. Offer of gifts or other benefits from UiB

UiB employees shall not give or offer gifts or other benefits that can be used to or are intended to influence the recipient’s professional or business actions etc.

Section 8. Violations of the rules

Violations of the rules can lead to sanctions such as disciplinary measures or dismissal, and may form the basis for prosecution.

Date	Comment	Entered by
Monday 24 February 2014 1:18:59 pm	Lagt inn engelsk	Kathrine Brosvik Thorsen
Monday 24 February 2014 1:16:29 pm	Lagt inn engelsk	Kathrine Brosvik Thorsen
Thursday 14 April 2011 12:38:18 pm	Lagt inn	Kathrine Brosvik Thorsen