The UK government encourages businesses operating in emerging markets to prepare for bribery and corruption risks, as well as potential human rights abuses. The Department for International Development has launched the Business Integrity Hub to help businesses do this. Forensic Pathways talks about the benefits of operating a business with integrity in new markets.
Company overview: Birmingham-based Forensic Pathways Ltd operates in the digital forensics and evidence arena, specialising in dark web investigation and analysis, forensic laboratory consultation, ballistics analysis and data analysis solutions in the area of due diligence, forensic business services and criminal intelligence. Founded in 2001, Forensic Pathways has expanded globally, with 65% of exports in overseas markets including Africa, Latin America, USA, Canada, India and Central Europe, and works directly in these markets and through local partners. The company’s major international clients include law enforcement agencies, academia, corporate and private organisations. Deborah Leary is CEO and Founder of the company, and a Director of the UN Global Compact Network in the UK.
Drivers of business integrity:
Two drivers underpin Forensic Pathways’ approach to doing business with integrity:
Values: From the start, the company has sought to build a values and principles-based approach to doing business. Since 2005, Forensic Pathways has been a signatory to the UN Global Compact’s Ten Principles, which encompass business responsibilities in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. Each year the company reports its performance against each principle.
Trust: Given the company’s focus on law enforcement and cyber security, operating with integrity is an essential pre-requisite for establishing the trust that is key to long-term sustainable relationships with clients and partners in the sector.
Benefits of business integrity
Doing business with integrity creates tangible business benefits for Forensic Pathways:
Approach to doing business with Integrity
Forensic Pathways operationalises business integrity, both internally and externally, through a variety of approaches: