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Unilever
Code of business practices
In an era where corporate social responsibility (CSR) and good business
practices are being the fundamentals of organisations that value
their customers and the community at large, multinational Unilever
has its own code of business principles which is followed by the
group across the world.
Here are excerpts of the Code:
Standard
of conduct
We conduct our operations with honesty, integrity and openness,
and with respect for the human rights and interests of our employees.
We shall similarly respect the legitimate interests of those with
whom we have relationships.
Obeying
the law
Unilever companies and our employees are required to comply with
the laws and regulations of the countries in which we operate.
Employees
Unilever is committed to diversity in a working environment where
there is mutual trust and respect and where everyone feels responsible
for the performance and reputation of our company.
We
will recruit, employ and promote employees on the sole basis of
the qualifications and abilities required for the work to be performed.
We are committed to safe and healthy working conditions for all
employees.
We will not use any form of forced, compulsory or child labour.
We respect the dignity of the individual and the right of employees
to freedom of association. We will maintain good communications
with employees through company based information and consultation
procedures.
Consumers
Unilever is committed to providing branded products and services
which consistently offer value in terms of price and quality, and
which are safe for their intended use. Products and services will
be accurately and properly labelled, advertised and communicated.
Shareholders
Unilever will conduct its operations in accordance with internationally
accepted principles of good corporate governance. We will provide
timely, regular and reliable information on our activities, structure,
financial situation and performance to all shareholders.
Business
partners
Unilever is committed to establishing mutually beneficial relations
with our suppliers, customers and business partners. In our business
dealings we expect our partners to adhere to business principles
consistent with our own.
Community
involvement
Unilever strives to be a trusted corporate citizen and, as an integral
part of society, to fulfill our responsibilities to the societies
and communities in which we operate.
Public
activities
Unilever companies are encouraged to promote and defend their legitimate
business interests. Unilever will co-operate with governments and
other organisations, both directly and through bodies such as trade
associations, in the development of proposed legislation and other
regulations which may affect legitimate business interests. Unilever
neither supports political parties nor contributes to the funds
of groups whose activities are calculated to promote party interests.
Environment
Unilever is committed to making continuous improvements in the management
of our environmental impact and to the longer-term goal of developing
a sustainable business.
Unilever
will work in partnership with others to promote environmental care,
increase understanding of environmental issues and disseminate good
practice.
Innovation
In our scientific innovation to meet consumer needs we will respect
the concerns of our consumers and of society. We will work on the
basis of sound science, applying rigorous standards of product safety.
Competition
Unilever believes in vigorous yet fair competition and supports
the development of appropriate competition laws. Unilever companies
and employees will conduct their operations in accordance with the
principles of fair competition and all applicable regulations.
Business
integrity
Unilever does not give or receive, whether directly or indirectly,
bribes or other improper advantages for business or financial gain.
No employee may offer, give or receive any gift or payment which
is, or may be construed as being, a bribe. Any demand for, or offer
of, a bribe must be rejected immediately and reported to management.
Compliance
- Monitoring - Reporting
Compliance with these principles is an essential element in our
business success. The Unilever board is responsible for ensuring
these principles are communicated to, and understood and observed
by, all employees.
Day to day responsibility is delegated to all senior management
of the categories, functions, regions and operating companies.
They
are responsible for implementing these principles, if necessary
through more detailed guidance tailored to local needs. Assurance
of compliance is given and monitored each year.
Compliance
with the code is subject to review by the board supported by the
audit committee of the board and the Unilever executive committee.
The board of Unilever will not criticise management for any loss
of business resulting from adherence to these principles and other
mandatory policies and instructions.
The
board of Unilever expects employees to bring to their attention,
or to that of senior management, any breach or suspected breach
of these principles. Provision has been made for employees to be
able to report in confidence and no employee will suffer as a consequence
of doing so. |
