This Code of Conduct applies Group-wide to all companies of the deconta Group, including all domestic and foreign subsidiaries.

hereinafter referred to as “deconta”

 

Preamble

deconta sees itself as part of an internationally interlinked economy and, as a company at its locations, is part of the countries and their societies in which deconta operates. deconta follows the basic understanding of the "honourable businessman" and acknowledges its responsibility as a company.

• deconta monitors the direct and indirect effects of its business activities on the environment and society and endeavours to achieve an appropriate balance between economic, ecological and social interests.
• deconta acts in accordance with generally accepted values and principles, complies with the law and, in particular, observes internationally recognised human rights and labour standards as set out below.
• deconta is committed to the objectives and content of the Code of Conduct and will make every appropriate and reasonable effort within the scope of its respective legal and actual possibilities to fulfil the voluntary commitment on an ongoing basis at all its company locations in Germany and abroad.

If existing national regulations contradict the contents of the Code of Conduct or if the national context makes it impossible to comply with them without restriction, deconta will look for ways to nevertheless fulfil the requirements of the Code of Conduct as far as possible.

 

Ethical / moral commitment and integrity

deconta pursues exclusively legal business objectives and practices and only maintains business relationships with reputable partners.

deconta behaves fairly and respectfully towards business partners, customers and employees. deconta respects different legal, economic, social and cultural backgrounds and the special circumstances of the countries and regions in which deconta operates. In doing so, deconta respects the law and the laws of the countries and regions in which business activities take place.

deconta always bases its business activities on generally accepted ethical values and principles, including integrity and respect for human dignity. deconta is committed to free and fair global trade.

 

Corruption, trade control, money laundering

deconta rejects all forms of bribery and corruption. To this end, we avoid even the appearance of this - be it in the form of granting or accepting unfair advantages. Employees may not demand, accept, offer or grant monetary benefits from third parties. This applies without exception. Such benefits - occasional gifts, hospitality and other benefits - may only be accepted within the scope of generally accepted practices and insofar as they are not capable of influencing business decisions. Such benefits may only be granted in the context of business customer relationships, provided that no inappropriate influence can be seen in them. deconta acts in accordance with the applicable import and export control regulations and complies with the legal requirements for the prevention of money laundering.

 

Fair competition

deconta operates in the marketplace as a free, responsible and fair competitor. deconta does not tolerate anti-competitive agreements and ensures that the company acts in accordance with applicable antitrust laws. deconta rejects competitive advantages through unfair business practices.

 

Handling of personal data, protection of confidential information and intellectual property

deconta respects the personal rights of its employees, business partners and customers and complies with the applicable legal and regulatory requirements for the processing of personal data and information security when handling personal information.

deconta protects business secrets and other confidential information entrusted to it by its business partners and customers from unauthorised acquisition, use and disclosure, at least in accordance with the relevant statutory provisions on the protection of business secrets.

deconta respects the intellectual property of its business partners, customers and other third parties and ensures that sufficient precautions are taken to protect intellectual property rights when exchanging know-how and technologies.

deconta increases security in the handling of sensitive data by raising awareness of cyber security through regular training for all employees and by regularly checking the security of the deconta IT system using suitable and recognised test methods. In this way, deconta achieves high standards for comprehensive data security.

 

Ecological responsibility and commitment

The protection and preservation of the natural foundations of life concerns and obliges us all. With this in mind, deconta conducts its business activities in an ecologically responsible manner and is committed to the goal of a climate-neutral future.

 

Leadership, responsibility and supervision

Every manager is responsible for the employees entrusted to them and must also fulfil their organisational and supervisory duties. They are responsible for ensuring that no breaches of the law occur in their area of responsibility that could have been prevented or made more difficult by proper supervision.

 

Protection of the environment and climate

deconta fulfils its ecological responsibility by applying the applicable legal requirements and recognised standards for the protection of the environment and climate. deconta works to continuously reduce the negative impact of its business activities on the environment and climate.

deconta applies applicable law and takes appropriate measures that are based on legal and internationally recognised standards and cover the following topics, among others:

• Proper / professional and responsible handling of hazardous substances, chemicals and waste, including their disposal
• Measures to reduce or avoid waste
• Minimising emissions from operational processes (e.g. wastewater, exhaust air, noise, greenhouse gases)
• Conserving natural resources, for example by taking measures to save water, chemicals and other raw materials and promoting the circular economy
• Use of climate and environmentally friendly technologies, processes, raw materials and products
• Measures to increase energy efficiency and the share of renewable energies in energy consumption at company locations
• Resource-efficient design of production processes
• Development of products for a long service life and reusability wherever possible

 

Human rights and labour standards

Human dignity is inviolable. That is why deconta respects the internationally recognised human rights set out in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

deconta is guided by internationally recognised labour standards.

In all its business activities, deconta endeavours to neither cause nor contribute to human rights violations. deconta expects the same from its business partners. Where necessary and possible, deconta supports its suppliers in this endeavour.

 

Employment relationships

deconta treats its employees with respect. deconta rejects any form of unlawful punishment, abuse, harassment, intimidation or other unworthy treatment of employees.

deconta applies the applicable labour law to all employment relationships and expects the same from its contractual partners. At the beginning of the employment relationship, employees must be provided with comprehensible information about the main working conditions, including their rights and obligations, working hours, remuneration and payment and settlement modalities.

deconta supports the whistleblower concept and complies with the German Whistleblower Protection Act (HinSchG).

 

Whistleblower reporting system

In addition to the internal contact persons, an independent whistleblower reporting system is available to all employees and external third parties.

The reporting system is operated by an external service provider and enables anonymous reporting.

Access:
https://schauenburg-gruppe.hinweisgeber-systeme.de

Telephone: +49 (2162) 361 86 90

Whistleblowers are protected against discrimination.

 

Rejection of child labour and protection of young workers

deconta does not tolerate child labour and observes the applicable legal minimum age for employment. In any case, deconta does not employ persons under the age at which compulsory schooling ends according to the law of the place of employment or under the age of 15. Internships are organised in accordance with legal requirements.

deconta expects its contractual partners to have appropriate means of determining age in order to prevent child labour. If child labour is detected, all necessary measures must be taken immediately to focus on the welfare, protection and development of the child.

The rights of young workers under the age of 18 must be respected; they may only be employed if it is ensured that the working and employment conditions neither pose a risk to their health, safety or morals nor are detrimental to their development.

 

Rejection of forced labour

deconta rejects forced or compulsory labour in any form. This also applies to any form of debt bondage, serfdom, slavery or slavery-like practices, human trafficking and extends to all forms of involuntary labour and services that are incompatible with internationally recognised labour and social standards.

 

Principles of remuneration

deconta applies the statutory or - where applicable - collectively agreed provisions in the remuneration of labour services. deconta ensures that the payment of employees in the company does not fall below the applicable statutory minimum wage or, where applicable, the minimum wage stipulated by collective agreement or customary in the industry. In countries or regions without a statutory or collectively agreed wage framework, deconta ensures that the wages paid for regular full-time work are sufficient to fulfil the basic needs of the employees.

Deconta will not tolerate wage deductions that are not authorised by law, including wage deductions as a disciplinary measure.

 

Working hours

deconta applies the statutory or applicable collectively agreed provisions on working hours, including overtime, rest breaks and holidays. deconta ensures that

- the regular weekly working hours plus maximum possible overtime are not exceeded,

- working time regulations are adhered to

 

Diversity and inclusion, non-discrimination

deconta values the diversity of its employees and promotes a working environment that enables inclusion. For this reason, deconta is committed to equal opportunities and rejects any form of discrimination and unequal treatment based on national and ethnic origin, social background, health status, disability, sexual orientation, age, gender, political opinion, religion or belief. deconta lives by the principle of equal pay for male and female employees for work of equal value.

 

Health and safety in the workplace

deconta complies with national and international occupational health and safety standards. deconta ensures a safe and healthy working environment (avoiding accidents, injuries and work-related illnesses) in order to maintain the health and safety of its employees and third parties.

 

Compliance with and monitoring of the Code of Conduct

Every employee receives a copy of the Code of Conduct. Our Code of Conduct is binding. All managers and employees must adhere to its guidelines and principles. The Code of Conduct is intended to be a living corporate reality and thus part of the everyday working life of all employees. Non-compliance with the principles of this Code of Conduct may have consequences under labour and criminal law.

Compliance with our Code of Conduct as well as legal regulations and internal company guidelines is an essential part of our company's image as a credible and reliable partner.

It is possible that knowledge may be obtained of processes that are not compatible with the deconta Code of Conduct. In such cases, questions or concerns can be raised with superiors, the works council or the management. Every whistleblower will be given the necessary support and backing without being penalised! Every employee who asks for advice or points out misconduct in good faith complies with the rules of the Code of Conduct.