What is compliance?
Compliance refers to the process of ensuring that an organisation and its employees adhere to internal policies and procedures, as well as legal regulations and industry standards that apply to their business operations. It involves maintaining, monitoring, and managing efforts to comply with these established guidelines, often to uphold the integrity, reputation, and legal standing of the organisation.
Why is compliance relevant to internal comms?
Compliance is crucial for internal communications as it ensures that all messaging and activities within the organisation are conducted in a manner that aligns with legal and ethical standards. Effective communication of compliance policies helps to foster a culture of transparency and accountability, which is essential for building trust among employees and stakeholders.
Examples of compliance in internal comms
Examples include the dissemination of updated health and safety guidelines to employees through an internal newsletter, or the use of the intranet to provide training on data protection laws relevant to employees' roles. Another example could be internal campaigns to raise awareness about anti-bribery and corruption policies.
Best practices for compliance
To ensure compliance, it's important to regularly communicate and refresh employees' understanding of relevant laws, regulations, and company policies. This can involve periodic training sessions, assessments to gauge understanding, and clear, accessible documentation of compliance procedures. Encouraging an open culture where employees feel comfortable reporting concerns or violations is also key.
Common challenges for compliance
Keeping up with constantly changing regulations and standards
Ensuring all employees are aware of and understand compliance requirements
Embedding compliance into the company culture without it feeling burdensome
Monitoring and enforcing compliance consistently across all levels of the organisation
What does compliance mean for frontline teams?
For frontline teams, particularly in highly regulated industries like finance, healthcare, or telecommunications, compliance is integral to daily operations. It ensures that their actions are in line with legal requirements and company policies, protecting both the employees and the organisation from potential risks and penalties.
Compliance FAQs
Q: How does internal communications support compliance?
A: Internal communications play a pivotal role in compliance by ensuring that all employees are informed about and understand the compliance policies, procedures, and the importance of adhering to them.
Q: Can non-compliance have internal consequences?
A: Yes, non-compliance can lead to internal consequences such as disciplinary actions, reduced employee morale, and a tarnished organisational reputation, alongside external legal and financial penalties.
Q: What role do employees play in compliance?
A: Employees are key to ensuring compliance by following established policies and procedures, participating in training and awareness programs, and reporting any observed non-compliance or ethical concerns.
