Previous initiatives continued
The Corporate Principles and the Code of Conduct are two key documents on the subject of sustainability at SFS and in terms of business practices that uphold human rights. The Corporate Principles set out our common values, while the Code of Conduct defines the basic rules by which we conduct our business activities. Both documents continue to apply. Robust and effective compliance processes are in place to ensure enforcement of the Code of Conduct. The information contained in our Corporate Principles and Code of Conduct is imparted to all new employees and apprentices as soon as they join the company through formal training courses or e-learning. Awareness of these themes is part of the basic skillset that every SFS employee must have, and should guide and shape them from the start (→ see GRI 102-16).
SFS strives to introduce the Code of Conduct as quickly as possible to all new employees. The Code of Conduct therefore is an integral element of the onboarding process. The Group also demands that suppliers respect basic human rights unconditionally. Respect for human rights is a mandatory criterion when screening potential business partners, since it is an integral part of SFS’ general procurement terms and conditions (→ see GRI 102-9). The last two reporting years involved a large implementation effort in the areas of data protection and trade compliance. The statutory requirements and the Group standards based on these provisions were implemented at all Group companies. SFS plays its part in protection of international legal order through full compliance with such sanctions, and provides comprehensive information on their scope and repercussions.
Priorities 2020
The general procurement terms and conditions will be renewed in 2020. In this context a special focus will again lie on the integration of compliance topics to ensure observance of these standards along the whole supply chain.