Day 27 - The Compliance Function in an Organization

Welcome to a special podcast series on the Compliance Podcast Network, 31 Days to a More Effective Compliance Program. Over these 31 days of the series in January 2025, Tom Fox will post a key part of a best practices compliance program daily. By the end of January, you will have enough information to create, design, or enhance a compliance program. Each podcast will be short, at 6–8 minutes, and will include three key takeaways you can implement at little or no cost to help update your compliance program. I hope you will join us each day in January for this exploration of best practices in compliance. On Day 27, we explore the growing importance and responsibilities of the compliance function within corporations, emphasizing the need for adequate staffing, resources, and independence. The 2020 FCPA Resource Guide outlines key factors that the DOJ considers indicative of an effective compliance program, including the quality of personnel, authority, compensation, and reporting structure. We delve into the necessity of properly funding compliance initiatives and ensuring the organization empowers and sufficiently supports compliance professionals. The updated Corporate Enforcement Policy emphasizes the prevention of retaliation against compliance investigators and the need for a robust structure supporting the compliance program. We conclude with three key takeaways for enhancing compliance functions: evaluating their treatment in the budget process, ensuring management respects compliance decisions, and considering the implications of outsourced compliance services. Key highlights: DOJ’s Expectations for Compliance Programs Funding and Resources for Compliance Compliance Program Structure and Authority Resources: Click here to receive a 20% discount on The Compliance Handbook, 5th edition, for listeners to this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices