Responsible Lobbying and Political Engagement Policy

Effective Date: 24 September 2026
Version: 1.0
Next review: September 2027

1. Our Position

AOIT Networks Ltd does not engage in lobbying. We do not try to influence government policy, legislation or regulation, directly or through third parties, and we do not employ or pay lobbyists.

This policy applies to AOIT Networks and our hosting brand aoitcloud. It sets out the rules we would follow if that ever changed, for example if we responded to a public consultation or joined an industry body that lobbies on behalf of its members.

2. Our Approach to Responsible Lobbying

  • Positive impact only: we will only ever lobby to contribute to a positive impact on society or the environment, in line with our published purpose, and never solely for our own commercial advantage at the expense of others.
  • Evidence-based: any position we take will be based on reliable and, where relevant, scientific data, and we will be open about the evidence we rely on.
  • Political contributions: we do not make financial or in-kind contributions to political parties, politicians, candidates or campaigns. This includes donations, sponsorship, loans, free services, staff time or use of our facilities.
  • Anti-bribery and corruption: we have zero tolerance for bribery and corruption, and comply fully with the Bribery Act 2010. We never offer, give, request or accept any payment, gift, hospitality or advantage intended to improperly influence a decision, whether in the public or private sector.
  • Intermediary organisations: before joining any trade association, industry body or other organisation that lobbies, we check that its positions are consistent with this policy and our purpose. We review our memberships every year, raise concerns if an organisation acts against this policy, and leave if the inconsistency is not resolved.

3. Governance, Control and Risk Management

  • Accountability: the Managing Director is accountable for enforcing this policy.
  • Approval and review: the Managing Director, as sole director and our highest governing body, formally reviews and approves this policy at least once a year.
  • Putting it into practice: this policy is published on our website and applies to everyone who works for or on behalf of AOIT, including freelancers and future employees, who are made aware of it when they start working with us. Any proposed lobbying activity, political engagement or membership of a lobbying organisation must be approved in advance by the Managing Director.
  • Identifying and monitoring risks: we identify risks of non-compliance by checking new memberships, sponsorships, consultations and gifts or hospitality against this policy before we commit to them, and we keep a record of any such activity.
  • Evaluating compliance: as part of the annual review, the Managing Director checks that no lobbying, political contributions or inconsistent memberships have taken place, reviews the record of relevant activity and any concerns raised, and updates this policy if needed.

4. Raising a Concern

Anyone can raise a concern about our business conduct or lobbying practices, anonymously if they prefer, through our Complaints and Grievance Procedure. No one will be treated unfavourably for raising a concern in good faith.