Bechtel Receives Highest Grade in Study of Anti-Corruption Programs

Company Scores "A" in Transparency International UK Assessment

RESTON, Va., April 28, 2015 /CNW/ -- Bechtel received the top grade in Transparency International UK's (TI-UK) Defence Companies Anti-Corruption Index 2015, which measures the transparency and quality of ethics and anti-corruption programs of 163 defense companies from 47 countries. Bechtel is one of only four companies that received the highest grade in the index, which ranked the firms from band A (highest) to F (lowest) using publicly available information.

"Transparency International UK's independent measurement of ethics and anti-corruption programs contributes greatly to the fight against corruption," said Nancy Higgins, Bechtel chief ethics and compliance officer. "Third-party confirmation of a sound program encourages companies to continue their efforts."

In releasing the report, TI-UK called on governments to require that contractors have ethics and anti-corruption programs in place before bidding for defense work to bring forth greater accountability. TI-UK described ethics and compliance programs as "a company's approach to promoting its ethical culture and reducing corruption risk." The assessment of companies' programs used a questionnaire of 41 indicators organized into five pillars: Leadership, Governance and Organization; Risk Management; Company Policy & Codes; Training; and Personnel and Helplines. The questions cover what TI-UK regards as the basic capabilities that a global defense company should have in place.

"The Index provides a road map for companies seeking to build an effective anti-corruption program," said Higgins. "More importantly, every company's program can be strengthened by learning from the best practices of others."

Bechtel is committed to the highest standard of ethical business conduct around the world. To learn more about ethics and compliance visit: http://www.bechtel.com/about-us/ethics-compliance.

About Bechtel:
Bechtel is among the most respected engineering, project management, and construction companies in the world. We stand apart for our ability to get the job done right—no matter how big, how complex, or how remote. Bechtel operates through four global business units that specialize in infrastructure; mining and metals; nuclear, security and environmental; and oil, gas, and chemicals. Since its founding in 1898, Bechtel has worked on more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries on all seven continents. Today, our 53,000 colleagues team with customers, partners, and suppliers on diverse projects in nearly 40 countries. www.bechtel.com

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SOURCE Bechtel