Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct of Sprecher Automation GmbH and its affiliated companies (together hereinafter referred to as „Sprecher Automation“) is based on the „UN Global Compact“, the „OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises“, the „ILO Core Labour Standards“ as well as the „UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women”.
Lawful behaviour and social responsibility are the basis for sustainable and profitable growth. It is not only important to us that we achieve our goals, but also how we achieve them. Our Code of Conduct reflects our corporate values and serves as the basis for all external business actions and decisions, dealings with stakeholders and internal dealings with employees. The Code of Conduct sets out a minimum standard that must be observed by all our employees. Likewise we expect our stakeholders to comply with the guidelines and principles of behaviour set out in the Code of Conduct.
1. General Rules
Sprecher Automation has set itself the goal of respecting and promoting sustainable profitable growth and social responsibility for the benefit of all people, communities and markets. Our Code of Conduct sets out a minimum standard that must be observed by all our employees and suppliers along the supply chain.
2. Principles
2.1. Compliance with Laws
Compliance with and implementation of the applicable laws at Sprecher Automation and along our value creation chain is very important to us. Therefore, we also require our stakeholders (business partners, suppliers etc.) to comply with the regulations of this Code of Conduct. In case of doubt, the goal's achievement is waived when it violates the law. If the rules of the Code of Conduct differ from national laws or other binding regulations, the stricter regulation shall prevail.
2.2 Employee Responsibility
Our image is essentially characterised by the appearance, actions and behaviour of each individual. Therefore, it is important that every employee of Sprecher Automation and its stakeholders fulfils their personal responsibility to comply with the applicable regulations in their field of activity.
3. Conflict of Interest, Gifts & Hospitality
3.1. Business Partner & Competitor
Private relationships with business partners or competitors of Sprecher Automation may not be entered into if they lead to a conflict of interest.
3.2. Personal Benefits from Business Relations
It is prohibited to use business activities for private gain. Such benefits, which under normal circumstances could influence business decisions, may not be accepted. Actual influence on a decision is not required.
3.3. Dinner Invitations & Gifts
Invitations may only be accepted within appropriate business limits and under the condition that they cannot be perceived as improper influence. Acceptance of gifts is generally prohibited, unless a refusal would be socially inadequate due to local practices and where the recipient of the gift cannot be influenced in his business decisions. Cash and cash equivalents (e.g. vouchers, security papers etc.) are prohibited under all circumstances. The same applies to the offer of such benefits to stakeholders.
3.4. Disclosure
Any potential conflict of interest must be disclosed and clarified with the supervisor. In the employee's own interest, this should be documented.
4. Bribery & Corruption
In most countries there are strict legal regulations regarding offering gifts or bribes to public officials and authorities. In general, donations to public officials, in particular bodies and employees of regional authorities, public institutions or state-run companies, politicians or political parties or their representatives, are not permitted. In case the representation at events is required, invitations from a public official may be explicitly approved by the management of Sprecher Automation on a case-by-case basis.
5. Fair Competition
Sprecher Automation is fully committed to the principle of fair competition. Violations of national or international competition laws can lead to serious consequences for the company and the concerned employee. All agreements and concerted practices that restrict competition are therefore explicitly prohibited. For example agreements on prices, offers, conditions, production capacities and the allocation of customers or sales territories, as well as the exchange of commercially sensitive information that can be used to infer prices, quantities or sales of competitors. It is irrelevant whether this is due to an actual agreement or just informal discussions.
6. Humanity, Respect & Fair Treatment
Diversity and uniqueness are embodied at Sprecher Automation. We respect and observe international human rights as fundamental values. We uphold equal opportunities and equal treatment of all people, regardless of their skin colour, ethnicity, nationality, social background, disabilities, sexual orientation, political or religious beliefs, gender or age and respect personal rights.
7. Safety
7.1. Employee Protection
Sprecher Automation has established an appropriate management system for health and safety at work, which is constantly being applied and further developed. We take responsibility for the health and safety of our employees, minimise risks and implement the best possible precautions against accidents and occupational diseases.
7.2. Employment
We do not employ people who have not reached the legal minimum age and we avoid situations in which the personal interests of our employees conflict with the interests of Sprecher Automation in order to prevent conflicts of loyalty. Nobody is employed against their will or forced to work at Sprecher Automation. Sprecher Automation recognises the right to collective bargaining and pays the respective statutory minimum wage or the minimum wage negotiated by collective agreement and ensures compliance with the statutory maximum working hours.
7.3. Right of Association
Sprecher Automation respects the right of association. Our employees communicate openly and transparently with the management without having to fear negative consequences in any form. Our employees have the right to associate, join a trade union, nominate a representative or be elected to one.
8. Enviroment
Economical and environmentally friendly production of our quality products is part of our company philosophy. Sprecher Automation is committed to the responsible and sustainable use of resources, energy and waste. We take all measures to protect the environment, minimise environmental impact and continuously improve the measures taken. When manufacturing our products and providing our services, we comply with all relevant quality standards in accordance with the state-of-the-art and continue to develop our quality standards accordingly.
9. Trade & Business Secrets
Trade and business secrets are treated with absolute confidentiality. Sensitive information of any kind must not be used for the pursuit of personal interests and must never be made accessible to third parties. This confidentiality extends to information we receive from our stakeholders. Equally, they are also contractually obliged to maintain non-disclosure.
10. Protection of Intellectual Property & Data Privacy
The protection of personal data and compliance with all applicable data protection regulations, in particular the General Data Protection Regulation, is very important to us. Personal data is only processed if there is a legal basis and all data protection principles can be complied with. In particular, we provide the necessary, state-of-the-art technical and organisational measurements to protect personal data. Employees are trained and sensitised to the topic through appropriate training classes. Furthermore, our inventions and expertise constitute the basis for the development and manufacture of innovative products. Therefore, it is particularly important to protect our intellectual property from unauthorised access by third parties. Information made available to us by third parties must be protected in the same way.
11. Business Ethics
We respect all standards of private and public law, as well as criminal law, in order to ensure economically and financially responsible participation in economic life and honourable and cooperative behaviour. We maintain a fair and open relationship with our stakeholders and work together with them to develop customised solutions. We behave fairly, honestly and impartially and do not tolerate behaviour that is coercive, threatening, abusive, discriminatory or exploitative.
12. Dealing with the Code of Conduct
Each employee of Sprecher Automation and its stakeholders is responsible for complying with the provisions of this Code of Conduct in addition to all laws, binding standards and internal guidelines.
12.1. Consideration of Lawfulness
In certain situations it can be helpful to ask yourself a few questions about your own behaviour before making a decision in order to clarify whether it is in line with the Code of Conduct. The following questions can be helpful:
Is my behaviour in line with Sprecher Automation's internal guidelines and values?
Would I make the same decision in the presence of other people?
Do my own interests take precedence over those of Sprecher Automation when making a decision?
Would I agree to my decision being published?
12.2. Consequences of Violations
Disregarding legal regulations and applicable ethical standards can cause significant damage to the reputation of Sprecher Automation. This can also lead to claims for damages, fines and administrative and corporate penalties. Sprecher Automation therefore reacts to every offence without exception. Possible consequences of violations may include the termination of the employment or the business relationship and the claiming of damages. As requirements may change, Sprecher Automation reserves the right to adapt the Code of Conduct if necessary.