Corporate Responsibility Report 2012 - Hempel

Ethical behaviour
At Hempel, we believe that only a reliable and respected company, both in terms of ethical
behaviour and the quality of its products and services, can be successful in the long-term.
As a company, we comply with all relevant laws and regulations in the countries where we operate.
However, we do not stop at compliance. We have policies in place covering business ethics, management,
communication, and health, safety and environment (HSE) – and run training programmes to ensure that
our employees follow our standards and business ethics in all areas of our business.
A high level of business ethics around the globe
Our Code of Conduct and Business Ethics policy are both essential to our responsible business model.
Together, they provide guidelines for our employees about how to act when dealing with our customers, our
suppliers, each other, and any other business partner.
Our Code of Conduct and Business Ethics policy have been in place for many years and are continuously
updated according to best practice. A new initiative is a more comprehensive training programme and
test to ensure these guidelines are fully adopted and understood by all employees. In 2012, we ran
the programme with our office staff and managers around the globe, achieving an almost 100 per cent
completion rate.
The warehouse staff, factory operators and employees at our Decorative sites in the UK will follow the
programme in 2013, helping ensure that all Hempel employees, wherever they work, conduct business
with the same high ethical standards.
Our Anti-bribery policy is included in both our Code of Conduct and Business Ethics policy. We are
determined to avoid any form of corruption or bribery. The payment or acceptance of bribes is prohibited
by Hempel and any employees breaking this rule face disciplinary action, including dismissal.
Focus on competition law
As part of our efforts to ensure competition law compliance, we conduct competition law training with
relevant staff. The training consists of online seminars and follow-up tests and takes into consideration
the status of current sales, sales development and Hempel’s position in the various markets.
In 2012, a large proportion of our sales and marketing representatives from our Americas and Asia-Pacific
regions underwent the training. Our work to educate our staff on competition law and new and coming
regulations is continuing.
Ensuring compliance throughout the organisation
Internal audits play an important role in our dedication to ensuring compliance with our policies and
procedures. Each year we carry out an extensive audit programme covering legal compliance, HSE
management, financial and internal controls and our own standard procedures. The findings from these
internal audits are reviewed by our Executive Group Management Team and a corrective action plan is
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