WHISTLEBLOWER SYSTEM
Our whistleblower system is designed to enable employees, customers and business partners to confidentially report potential violations of the law, breaches of our internal company guidelines, our Code of Conduct or other irregularities in the working environment, thereby contributing to our efforts to act fairly and lawfully.
WHAT CAN YOU REPORT IN THIS SYSTEM?
Reports may be made about breaches of our Code of Conduct, violations of the law or other grievances in the workplace.
This includes any situation where you may have concerns about compliance with our company standards, legal requirements or other aspects of the work environment.
We encourage you to report any violations to ensure the integrity of and compliance with our policies.
OTHER POSSIBLE ACTIONS AGAINST THE CODE OF CONDUCT ARE.
Harassment/discrimination in the workplace
Harassment and discrimination in the workplace are inappropriate behaviors that put people at a disadvantage because of their characteristics. This can include verbal harassment, unfair treatment or other negative actions based on gender, origin or other personal characteristics. Such acts can create a stressful working environment and adversely affect those affected.
Breaches of data protection and information security
Breaches of data protection and information security refer to actions or incidents that compromise the integrity, confidentiality or availability of sensitive information. These breaches may include unauthorized access, data leaks, improper management or other actions that violate data protection regulations and security policies.
Violations against occupational health and safety and environmental protection
Violations of occupational health and safety and environmental protection refer to actions or situations that violate laws, regulations or standards in the area of occupational health and safety or environmental protection. These can be impermissible working conditions, inadequate safety precautions, environmental pollution or other actions that endanger the health of employees or the environment.
Financial fraud, bribery and corruption
Unfair accounting practices refer to fraudulent or unethical actions in a company’s accounting, reporting or financial documentation. This can include falsifying accounting records, concealing financial misconduct or deliberately manipulating data to misrepresent the financial position. Such practices can have legal consequences, shake investor confidence and damage the credibility of the company.
Theft of company property
Theft of company property refers to the misappropriation or use of a company’s possessions, resources or intellectual property by employees or external parties without permission. This can include the physical theft of items such as materials or equipment, or the theft of data, ideas or confidential information. Such actions are not only a breach of the company’s trust, but can also have legal consequences and negatively impact the working environment.
HWS code of conduct
The companies of the HWS Group are committed to responsible corporate governance, fair competition and lawful conduct. We therefore expect all our employees, business partners and suppliers to fully comply with our Code of Conduct.
Our Code of Conduct is intended to be a guideline for all companies in the HWS Group and therefore applies equally to all employees of the companies in the HWS Group. Specifically, it is aimed at the management, executives and all our employees as well as our suppliers and business partners. On the one hand, it justifies the demand we place on ourselves to live up to the values and principles listed therein and at the same time signals responsible behavior towards our business partners, customers and our employees to the outside world.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOUR REPORT?
Your report will be received and reviewed by the company’s internal contact person – anonymously if you wish. If we have enough evidence of misconduct, we will initiate the necessary measures. While the case is being processed, we will stay in contact with you via the chat function in the whistleblower portal and keep you informed of the current status and outcome.
Our compliance officer can also be contacted by telephone and email.
+ 49 9161 6239 211
compliance@hws-gruppe.de
SICHERER Prozess HINWEISGEBERSYSTEM
The whistleblower system is available to all employees, business partners, trainees, guests and external partners such as cooperation partners and suppliers.
We would like to be informed about unlawful conduct in our company so that we can clarify and remedy such behavior. For this reason, misconduct or violations can be reported in a protected manner as part of our whistleblower system, without the whistleblower suffering any disadvantage as a result.
The report is checked internally and documented in the portal in accordance with the GDPR.
