Preamble
Bode GmbH is committed to its social responsibility within the scope of its business activities worldwide. Sustainable, conscious action and high standards regarding the careful use of all resources, in alignment with the company’s economic objectives, form the daily basis of our decision-making. This Code of Conduct serves as a guideline, outlining what this means in particular with regard to working conditions, social and environmental compatibility, as well as transparency, trusting cooperation, and dialogue. By committing to this Code of Conduct, Bode GmbH is better able to respond to the varying conditions of a global market and to meet the challenges and societal expectations arising from the increasingly interconnected collaboration within value chains.
Bode GmbH takes responsibility by considering the consequences of its business decisions and actions from an economic and technological, as well as social and environmental perspective, and by achieving an appropriate balance of interests.
1 Scope
Bode GmbH expects both itself and its business partners to comply with this Code of Conduct.
2 Principles
Employees must observe all relevant laws and regulatory requirements applicable to their working environment, as well as internal instructions and guidelines.
Employees are expected to act honestly and fairly in their working environment and to avoid any conflict between personal interests and the business interests of Bode GmbH or the interests of our customers. All employees are expressly encouraged to speak with their supervisors if they identify any non-compliant behavior.
Managers serve as role models. They bear responsibility for their own conduct and the conduct of employees within their area of responsibility, as well as for the proper adherence to all procedures in place to prevent reputational and legal risks.
3 Respectful Treatment of One Another
Our success is largely based on treating each other with respect. We are willing to learn from mistakes and value open communication. The key criteria for employee development are performance and potential. Bode GmbH aligns its actions with universally accepted ethical values and principles, in particular integrity, righteousness, respect for human dignity, openness, and non-discrimination on grounds of religion, ideology, gender, and ethnicity.
4 Principles of Conduct
4.1 Fair Business Practices
We differentiate ourselves from our competitors in a fair and honest manner.
4.2 Corruption and Bribery
Bode GmbH must neither demand nor offer corresponding payments or benefits from or to a business partner.
4.3 Antitrust Law and Competition
Bode GmbH complies in every respect with all trade laws, in particular antitrust regulations that prevent the inappropriate restriction of a functioning, free, and competitive market. Furthermore, Bode GmbH also complies with all laws prohibiting unfair or fraudulent trade practices. Bode GmbH expects its business partners to promote free competition.
We do not tolerate any conduct prohibited by antitrust laws and trade regulations. It follows that anti-competitive agreements are not permitted. Bode GmbH does not enter into coordinated or informal agreements to boycott customers or other business partners. We pursue a philosophy that excludes price fixing in any form.
4.4 Money Laundering
The business partners of Bode GmbH comply with all laws prohibiting money laundering or the financing of illegal or unlawful purposes. They must ensure that they conduct business exclusively with reputable business partners, i.e. partners who conduct legitimate business using funds from legal sources.
4.5 Confidentiality and Data Protection
We protect confidential information from access and unauthorized use by third parties. We ensure that the data available to us is used exclusively for communication with the customer. We comply with all relevant data protection regulations and only collect or process personal data where this is strictly necessary for the fulfillment of the respective area of work.
The confidential handling of sensitive information and data, both internally and externally, is a matter of course. An external data protection officer is responsible for ensuring compliance and implementation.
The business partners of Bode GmbH observe the applicable data protection regulatory framework. Data processing is carried out only in a transparent and necessary manner. The rights to information and rectification, as well as the rights to object, restrict, and erase data where applicable, must be upheld.
5 Environmental and Climate Protection
Sustainable environmental and climate protection as well as resource efficiency are important corporate objectives for us. Employees are expected to make every effort in their work to protect natural resources and to ensure that the business activities of Bode GmbH place as little burden on the environment as possible through material savings, energy-efficient planning, and the reduction and recycling of waste. We expect our business partners, both in the development of new products and services and in the operation of production facilities, to keep all resulting impacts on the environment and climate as low as possible, and for our products to make a positive contribution to environmental and climate protection for our customers.
We are certified in accordance with DIN EN ISO 14001:2015 and DIN EN ISO 50001:2018.
6 Quality Management and Product Responsibility
For us, quality is the result of our identification with the company philosophy and our daily commitment to meeting our customers’ needs in the best possible way. We stand for performance, innovation, and quality. Quality includes compliance with legal and other regulatory frameworks, as well as acting in accordance with socio-political objectives and environmental protection concerns. Quality is not something to be taken for granted, and errors that occur represent opportunities for improvement. They are evaluated and root causes are analyzed in order to implement effective corrective and preventive measures.
7 Implementation and Enforcement
We expect our business partners – as well as ourselves – to ensure a safe and healthy working environment. This includes adequate sanitary conditions, health and safety policies and procedures. We report accidents, injuries, and hazardous equipment, practices, or conditions to a supervisor or the occupational health and safety officer without delay. No one assumes that someone else will have already reported the risk or issue. Listen to the concerns of others. Familiarize yourself with the emergency procedures for your workplace.
7.1 Bode GmbH commits to complying with the following core labor standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO):
7.1.1 Child Labor
The prohibition of child labor, i.e. the employment of persons under the age of 15, unless local legislation provides for higher age limits or permits exceptions.
7.1.2 Forced Labor
The prohibition of forced labor of any kind.
7.1.3 Remuneration
Labor standards with regard to remuneration, in particular with regard to the level of remuneration in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
7.1.4 Employee Rights
Respect for the right of employees to freedom of association, freedom of assembly, and collective bargaining, to the extent that this is legally permissible and possible in the respective country.
7.1.5 Collaboration
Bode GmbH promotes open communication and teamwork. An environment has been created that is respectful and inclusive. To foster employee development, Bode GmbH provides training opportunities.
7.1.6 Conflicts of Interest
Conflicts of interest between employees and the company must be avoided. This also includes matters that may give rise to a conflict.
7.1.7 Anti-Discrimination
The cultural diversity of our workforce is one of our greatest strengths. We offer equal opportunities in every respect, mutual trust, and mutual respect, and we do not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment, including comments, unwanted advances of any kind, bullying, or similar behavior.
We are committed to treating customers, suppliers, competitors, and employees of the company in a fair and respectful manner, regardless of their position within the company, gender, culture, and/or status.
8 Communication
Bode GmbH communicates openly and in a dialogue-oriented manner about the requirements of this Code of Conduct and its implementation to employees, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholder groups. The Code of Conduct is also to be communicated by our business partners within their own organizations.
9 Training
Bode GmbH provides training opportunities.
10 Company Resources
We handle company-owned resources carefully, not only with regard to the potential weakening of our company, but also with regard to the environment. We keep our workplaces and all facilities that we use and that serve the operation in good order at all times. Any damage is reported to the responsible department or supervisor.
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