Supplier Code of Conduct

Foreword

Dear business partner,

Respect, trust and appreciation are the pillars of our actions. High quality and excellent customer service are our key to success. For this reason, customers value us as a preferred partner across innovation cycles. We convince through performance by means of customer orientation, innovative strength, technological competence and motivated employees who act responsibly.

We promote global developments that protect people's future and enable future generations to live a life worth living on this planet. For this reason, ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) shapes our thinking and our processes. Protecting the environment, assuming social responsibility and sustainable corporate governance are a matter of course for us. By means of corporate governance regulations, we restrict opportunistic behavior through appropriate measures. We promote and want cooperation and thus a tangible joint benefit in our business relationships.

We are consciously helping to shape the digital transformation. It is a key to reshaping future services in such a way that ecosystems can be regenerated, people in all parts of the world can live in dignity, and ethical behavior can be promoted. We are fully committed to using our expertise to achieve this. We are part of this change - for our customers and for the people.

Our Business Partner Code of Conduct describes the content of our values in the context of ESG, which we share with our partners. The code applies to all our business partners - including but not limited to manufacturers, distributors, service providers, subcontractors, suppliers and consulting partners. We assume that our partners will in turn ensure that their own business relationships are also structured to comply with the principles of this Code of Conduct.

This Code of Conduct is based on the principles of the "UN Global Compact", the standards of the ILO (International Labor Organization) conventions and the Code of Conduct of the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA). Fundamental to the adoption of the Code is the understanding that a company must fully comply with the laws, rules and regulations of the countries in which it operates in all of its activities. The Code also encourages participants to go beyond legal compliance, drawing on internationally recognized standards to advance social and environmental responsibility and business ethics.

A shared commitment to acting responsibly and with respect will create a sustainable future.

Management is available to answer any questions you may have regarding this Code of Conduct.

Yours sincerely
Your management

 

 

1 People
1.1 Human rights

The observance of human rights and applicable social standards are principles of human coexistence. Working conditions that violate such rights and standards are contrary to this principle. They will not be tolerated.

People are treated with dignity and respect, according to the understanding of the international community. With regard to international conventions, you, as our business partner, thus observe the applicable core labor standards of the International Labor Organization (ILO) within the scope of your business activities:

•  the Forced or Compulsory Labor Convention No. 29 of June 28, 1930 (Federal Law Gazette 1956 II p. 641),
•  the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize Convention No. 87 of July 9, 1948 (BGBl. 1956 II p. 2073),
•  Convention No. 98 concerning the Application of the Principles of the Right to Organize and to Bargain Collectively of July 1, 1949 (Federal Law Gazette 1955 II p. 1123),
•  Convention No. 100 concerning Equal Remuneration for Men and Women Workers for Work of Equal Value of June 29, 1951 (Federal Law Gazette 1956 II p. 24),
•  Convention No. 105 concerning the Abolition of Forced Labour of 25 June 1957 (BGBl. 1959 II p. 442),
•  Convention No. 111 concerning Discrimination in Respect of Employment and Occupation of June 25, 1958 (BGBl. 1961 II p. 98),
• Convention No. 138 concerning the Minimum Age for Admission to Employment of June 26, 1973 (Federal Law Gazette 1976 II p. 202) and
• Convention No. 182 concerning the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labor of June 17, 1999 (Federal Law Gazette 2001 II p. 1291).

 

1.2 Occupational safety

A safe and healthy working environment promotes employee health, minimizes injuries and creates continuity in terms of quality and motivation.

Occupational health and safety for employees is an integral part of our corporate principles. We place great emphasis on compliance with health and safety regulations, which are managed in an organized manner through a certified Occupational Health and Safety Management System (AMS), and expect the same from you as our business partner.

 

1.3 Diversity

Diversity provides the framework for innovative ideas and new developments. A friendly, open and fair working atmosphere opens up the space for fruitful exchange. The basis for this is trust and appreciation. In a trusting environment, the personal dignity, privacy and personal rights of each individual are respected.

Thus, you, as our business partner, cultivate a fact-oriented and requirements-based approach as well as trusting cooperation.

We expect that discrimination and harassment will not be tolerated and that employees as well as business partners will be treated regardless of nationality, skin color, social origin, ancestry, gender, age, appearance, any disabilities, religion, ideology, political views, sexual orientation or other legally protected characteristics.

Equal Opportunity is Promoted. Discrimination is prevented in all areas, from the hiring of employees, salary development and promotion to the granting of training and continuing education measures.

 

2 Environment

We expect our business partners to adopt a responsible approach to the environment as an integral part of their corporate philosophy in order to reduce adverse impacts on the community and to conserve the environment and natural resources. Thus, the precautionary principle is paramount in dealing with environmental issues. Initiatives that promote greater environmental awareness - including the dissemination of environmentally friendly technologies - are encouraged. Applicable environmental law and national environmental regulations are fully complied with.

Sustainable use of natural resources (substitution of materials, reuse, conservation, recycling ...) is strived for. Measures to improve energy efficiency are in place and greenhouse gas emissions and waste generation are minimized.

 

3. Ethics

Your business activities as our partner are characterized by the highest standards of integrity and responsible conduct.

 

3.1 Laws

As our business partner, you will comply with all applicable laws and regulations of the countries in whose territory you do business. Business will only be conducted with business partners who comply with the law. Conduct in violation of the law or regulations will not be tolerated.

Working hours are also governed by local law and the applicable maximum number of hours may not be exceeded. The remuneration paid to workers must comply with all relevant laws on remuneration, including laws on minimum wage, overtime and legally defined social benefits.

 

3.2 Fair competition

As our business partner, you will act fairly in competition and responsibly in your marketing activities.

You prohibit all forms of corruption, bribery, theft, extortion, and unauthorized flows of money to illegally obtain advantages in a decision-making process of a business activity and comply with all applicable anti-corruption laws and regulations. The necessary procedures for monitoring, documenting, and enforcing appropriate measures are in place.

Benefits, for example in the context of invitations or in connection with advertising measures, which serve the purpose of promoting business relations with us or presenting products or services, may only be granted or accepted if they serve a legitimate business purpose and are not accepted or granted in return for an unlawful advantage. The benefits must be moderate and ethical. They must not exceed the limits of customary business practice.

 

3.3 Export and Import Regulations

As our business partner, you will comply with all applicable import and export control laws, including, but not limited to, sanctions, embargoes and other laws, regulations, government orders and policies governing the transfer or shipment of goods, technology and payments.

 

3.4 Confidentiality and data protection.

Information security and data protection are an essential part of your corporate policy, which are managed systematically and, where possible, in an organized manner by a certified information security management system. All your employees receive regular training in this regard.

All applicable laws and regulations on data protection and IT security are observed. Confidential and personal data are protected by suitable organizational measures and by targeted process-related implementation. Data is collected, stored, processed, transmitted and passed on exclusively in accordance with applicable law.

All confidential business information and trade secrets are protected and used in accordance with applicable laws. The confidential information will be used exclusively for the purpose of fulfilling an existing contractual relationship.

All information and documents exchanged with each other through the fulfillment of a contract will be treated confidentially.

 

3.5 Reporting

As our business partner, you will ensure that external reports on the company's business activities, structure, financial position and performance, as well as records and other documentation, are in accordance with applicable legal rules and standards, and are therefore complete, accurate, timely and system-compatible.

 

3.6 Intellectual property

Intellectual property rights are respected. Technology and know-how transfers are carried out in such a way that intellectual property rights are protected.

 

4 Binding nature

This Code of Conduct is a binding guideline for our business partners. Every business partner is aware that failure to comply with the Code of Conduct is a violation of our values.

If you perceive or suspect a violation in your everyday work in an encounter with an employee or business partner of Controlware, we ask you to address this directly, openly and appropriately, in order to bring it to their attention. In doing so, they will create a positive opportunity for a change in behavior.

If this is not possible, please contact Controlware management. In addition to addressing the issue personally, it is also possible to send an email to compliance(at)controlware.de.

Reports can also be made anonymously. The anonymous reports should receive sufficient information to allow adequate processing.