4. Ethics and Integrity

Geberit aims to act as a role model for ethically unimpeachable, environmentally friendly and socially responsible operations. The Geberit Compass (what we do, what motivates us, how we work together, what is responsible for our success) and the Geberit Code of Conduct for Employees serve as the applicable guidelines. The compliance system also includes the topic of data protection on the basis of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), see GRI 418.

Other specific guidelines that are important to Geberit are:

• Geberit policy on occupational health and safety, environment and energy
• Geberit Code of Conduct for Suppliers
• Geberit Code of Conduct for Business Partners
• Geberit antitrust legislation guidelines
• Geberit compliance commitment for contractors
• UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights

Geberit has established an effective compliance system to ensure that its conduct is both ethical and legally compliant. Compliance measures focus on the following six key topics: antitrust legislation, corruption, product liability, data protection, employee rights and environmental protection, see Business Report > Business and financial review > Financial year 2020 > Compliance.

It is of utmost importance to Geberit that the Geberit Code of Conduct is adhered to. Non-compliance will be systematically sanctioned. A comprehensive review on compliance with the Code of Conduct takes place as part of the annual reporting. All companies receive over 60 questions on the above-mentioned key topics. In addition, on-site audits are performed by the Internal Audit Department and corrective measures taken in the event of misconduct. The audits also comprise special interviews with the managing directors of the individual companies on the topics mentioned in the Code of Conduct. The respective information is verified. The findings from the survey and audits form the basis for the annual Compliance Report submitted to the Board of Directors and Group Executive Board and are published in accordance with the guidelines of the GRI in this report.

Employees who openly address irregularities which represent breaches of applicable law, ethical standards or the Code of Conduct are acting correctly and in accordance with the Geberit Code of Conduct. As a general rule, employees should seek a personal meeting with their supervisor. The Geberit Integrity Line is available to all employees as a whistleblower hotline in the corresponding language. The service is intended to enable employees to anonymously report misconduct in all compliance-relevant cases. The Integrity Line is operated by an external company with experience in this area, and is available around the clock seven days a week. One case of workplace bullying was recorded by the Integrity Line for employees in the reporting year, which was investigated. The accused person has since left the company. Since 2017, an Integrity Line has also been available to suppliers for anonymously reporting irregularities in the procurement process or non-compliance with the Code of Conduct for Suppliers. There were no reports from suppliers in the reporting year.