What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

Establishing a LATAM compliance function and implementation for anti-bribery and anti-corruption (ABAC) risk assessment:

E&C team at ICON is committed to enhancing the global ethics and compliance program and for that to be achieved a LATAM compliance function was established, and I have had the opportunity to be selected as Legal Associate to providing my regional expertise, proactive risk management, global integration, resource optimisation and enhancement of stakeholder confidence. Currently, our team is conducting a comprehensive risk assessment of our anti-bribery and anti-corruption (ABAC) processes in Mexico. Also, we analysed transaction data across various regions, with a particular focus on high-risk areas in LATAM countries. Both assessments enabled us to identify vulnerabilities in our existing controls and implement targeted strategies to mitigate potential risks not only limited to ABAC but to all possible legal risks at ICON’s business. This proactive approach has not only reduced potential legal liabilities but has also reinforced our reputation as a company committed to ethical conduct.

Disclosure platform and conflict of interest management. We recently introduced a centralised disclosure platform to manage and house employee disclosures relating to conflicts of interest, gifts & hospitality and sponsorship & donations. This initiative is critical to maintaining transparency and integrity within our organisation. We have implemented a robust process for evaluating and approving disclosures to ensure compliance with both internal policies and regulatory standards. This involved extensive communication campaigns and training sessions to educate employees on the importance of timely disclosures, as well as developing a user-friendly online platform to streamline the submission and review process. The result has been a significant increase in the timely and accurate reporting of potential conflicts of interest and other disclosures, thereby reducing the risk of ethical violations.

Also, our team has been actively involved in evaluating and selecting recipients for corporate sponsorships, with a focus on supporting charitable organisations that align with our company’s values. This process involves a thorough review of potential partners to ensure that their mission and activities resonate with our corporate ethos. By fostering partnerships with organisations dedicated to social good, we contribute to positive community impact while enhancing our brand image.

Could you share an example of a time when you came up with an innovation that improved how your legal team works and did not come at a large expense?   

One notable innovation that has greatly improved our legal team’s efficiency is the development of a compliance metrics dashboard using Power BI. By consolidating data from various sources, we have created a dynamic dashboard that tracks key compliance metrics. This tool provides real-time insights into our compliance activities, allowing for more efficient monitoring and timely decision-making. The implementation of this dashboard did not incur significant costs, yet it has significantly enhanced our ability to identify trends, allocate resources effectively, and address potential compliance issues proactively.

What is a cause, business related or otherwise, that you care about, and why? 

I am deeply committed to promoting ethics and compliance within the business. This involves fostering a culture of integrity and transparency, ensuring that our practices align with legal standards, and educating employees about ethical behaviour. I believe that a strong ethical foundation is essential for long-term success and sustainability.

Diversity and inclusion are causes I am passionate about, as they bring a variety of perspectives and experiences that enhance creativity and innovation within the workplace. I actively support initiatives that promote diverse hiring practices and celebrate cultural differences, such as Disability Day, which raises awareness and fosters an inclusive environment for all employees.

Improving live patient care is another cause that I care deeply about. This includes advocating for ethical clinical practices, supporting research and development in healthcare, and ensuring compliance with regulations that protect patient rights and safety. I believe that prioritising patient welfare leads to better health outcomes and builds trust in the healthcare system, which is vital for both patients and providers.