Compliance program

Ethical values and rules of ŠKODA JS a.s.

I. We act in accordance with laws, regulations, and rules

In all areas of our business activities, we comply with the applicable legislation of all countries in which ŠKODA JS a.s. (hereinafter referred to as “Company”) operates. We follow internal management documentation, which is based on national legislation and applicable European Union standards. We respect the conventions of the International Labor Organization and the United Nations.

As a part of the CEZ Group we have joined the UN Global Compact initiative. We are committed to recognizing, supporting, and applying in practice the principles of the Global Compact initiative in the areas of human rights, labor standards, environmental protection, and the fight against corruption as part of our business.

We also respect the ethical rules and internal regulations of others (if they are publicly available, and if they do not conflict with legal regulations and our internal rules), and we expect the same behavior from our business partners.

 

II. We stand for sustainable business

In its business, the Company follows the relevant standards, which include responsible behavior towards employees, business partners, society, and the environment, including the responsible management of a sustainable value chain. As part of our business activities, we adhere to the principles of sustainable development. We strive to constantly improve the quality of our products and services.

 

III. In the workplace

In the workplace, we especially apply the following basic principles of conduct:

  • Fair employment practices
    • We create a positive working environment for our employees where they can develop their potential and grow professionally. We do not accept any form of discrimination, repeated actions intended to harm, threaten, or intimidate others, harassment, or any other inappropriate behavior.
  • Safety and protection of health, persons, property, and information
    • Safety and protection of health, persons, property, and information are an integral part of management in the Company. We respect them.
  • Personal data protection
    • In everything we do, we make sure not to cross the sensitive line of privacy and data protection of our employees and business partners. When working with personal data, we proceed fairly and in a legal and transparent manner.
  • Protection of intellectual property
    • The intellectual property of the Company is one of the most valuable assets that we must all protect.
  • Insider information and stock trading
    • We do not tolerate insider trading. We protect this information from disclosure and misuse.
  • Conflict of interest
    • We avert and prevent possible conflicts of interest arising from private activities and the job position held.

 

IV. As regards the business partners

As regards the business partners of the Company, our goal is to achieve long-term and transparent relationships with all customers and suppliers, based on mutual respect and honesty. We fulfil this goal by adhering to the following principles:

  • Customer and supplier relations
    • We always deal with all our customers transparently and honestly. We deal with our suppliers ethically, with respect and honesty. We require compliance with our ethical standards and rules throughout our supply chain.
  • Corruption, inadmissible payments, and gifts
    • We do not support or tolerate corruption or fraud in any form. We do not accept or provide any undue benefits.
  • Prevention of money laundering and compliance with international sanctions
    • We only do business with business partners whose funds come from legitimate sources. We fully comply with the rules governing international sanctions.
  • Compliance with the rules of economic competition
    • When conducting business, we comply with competition law with the belief that only fair competition enables the free development of markets and the achievement of related social benefits.
  • Compliance with the rules of public procurement and subsidy procedures.
    • We do not tolerate violations of the rules of public procurement and subsidy procedures.
  • International trade control
    • We follow the rules that govern international trade.

 

V. With respect to society

With respect to society, our goal is to create and protect the name of the Company as a socially responsible partner contributing to sustainable development. In this spirit, we apply the following principles:

  • Environmental protection and sustainable development
    • We advocate the responsible use of natural resources and support the use of environmentally friendly technologies to achieve sustainability goals.
  • Charitable donations, sponsorship, support for research and development
    • We selflessly support charitable, scientific, research, educational, cultural, and other projects. Never, however, in case of a conflict of interest or political activities.
  • Cooperation with public authorities and other institutions
    • We are apolitical and party-neutral; we do not support any action or initiative with an exclusively or primarily political goal. Any civic or political involvement by any of us must not damage the good reputation of the Company. We approach public authorities with respect.
  • Media and social networks

Information provided to the public must always be objective and truthful.

Procedure for notification of unethical conduct

ŠKODA JS a.s. has implemented a system that allows anyone to submit notifications of conflicts of interest, possible unethical or illegal actions of the company's employees. All such notifications will be thoroughly investigated by the company in accordance with the procedure regulated by the company's internal regulation.

If the announcer so requests, the company shall ensure the confidentiality of his/her identity.

Notification of a potential conflict of interest, unethical or unlawful conduct may be made in one of the following ways:

  • Notification to your direct contact at ŠKODA JS a.s. in case of a supplier/customer
  • Notification to your manager or to another supervisor you trust in case of an employee
  • Notification through the Whistleblowing Hotline
  • Personal notification to the company's Compliance Officer in building No. 150, door number 107 in the company's premises
    at Orlík 266/15, 323 00 Plzeň

The notification shall include at least the names of the persons who may be in conflict of interest or may have committed unethical or illegal conduct and a basic description of such conduct. Although a detailed description of the misconduct and supporting evidence are not a condition for notification, they can be a significant contribution to the investigation of the case.

The Company is committed to provide support and protection to those who report possible conflicts of interest, unethical or illegal conduct by Company employees. The company consistently protects the identity of the announcer (if known) and at the same time protects the announcer from any direct or indirect adverse consequences relating to the notification. However, the Company will not tolerate bullying or intentionally false notifications.