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Code of Practice & Ethics
Introduction and purpose
Thomson wants to remain successful in the long run and continue to grow profitably. Our guiding principles are a key factors . Risks must be taken in order to achieve success, but certain rules need to be followed. The Board of Directors and the CEO formulated in this code of conduct their minimum expectations of vis-à-vis the managers and employees of Thomson and its subsidiaries. The code of practice is communicated by line-management and in day-to-day cooperation within the company; it is completed with
additional rules.
Bear responsibility
Employees bear responsibility for their actions and show consideration for other people, society and the environment. The employees treat all reference groups and their representatives respectfully, fairly and without discrimination. These stakeholders include customers, shareholders, employees, public and governmental authorities, suppliers, the media and all other partners as well as public and private organisations.
Follow the rules
Employees comply with all laws and any other external or internal regulations. They are committed, above all, to upholding all laws governing competition, the industry and the stock exchange. Employees respect established rules regarding social morals, and endeavor to maintain conscientious behavior within the company.
Show integrity
Employees act with integrity. They pursue the goals and interests of Thomson. They recognize and avoid conflicts of interest, disclose these and find a solution. They do not buy or sell securities, if they have access to insider information. They do not accept bribes and do not offer unfair advantages to any third parties. Employees avoid damaging the company, its tangible or intangible assets. They protect the data of customers, business partners and employees.
Confidentiality
We are committed to maintaining the highest degree of integrity in all our dealings with potential, current and past clients, both in terms of normal commercial confidentiality, and the protection of all personal information received in the course of providing the business services concerned. We extend the same standards to all our customers, suppliers and associates.
Ethics
We always conduct our own services honestly and honourably, and expect our clients and suppliers to do the same. Our advice, strategic assistance and the methods imparted through our training, take proper account of ethical considerations, together with the protection and enhancement of the moral position of our clients and suppliers.
Intellectual property and moral rights
We retain the moral rights in, and ownership of, all intellectual property that we create unless agreed otherwise in advance with our clients. In return we respect the moral and intellectual copyright vested in our clients' intellectual property.
Quality assurance
We maintain the quality of what we do through constant ongoing review with our clients, of all aims, activities, outcomes and the cost-effectiveness of every activity. We encourage regular review meetings and provide regular progress reports. This consultancy has been accredited under a number of quality assurance schemes. Further details are available on request.
Professional conduct
We conduct all of our activities professionally and with integrity. We take great care to be completely objective in our judgement and any recommendations that we give, so that issues are never influenced by anything other than the best and proper interests of our clients.
Equality and discrimination
We always strive to be fair and objective in our advice and actions, and we are never influenced in our decisions, actions or recommendations by issues of gender, race, creed, colour, age or personal disability.
Report breaches
The employees report breaches to this code of conduct or relevant suspicion to their managers or the General Counsel of Thomson. Alternatively, the reaction plan for processing whistle-blowing notifications, which has been provided by Internal audit is also available.
The sustainable company
As a reliable partner for customers and the community, Thomson has for years followed a clear policy of corporate responsibility. Brand values (respect, reliability, roots and cosmopolitanism), together with our management values, vision and mission, underpinned by a universal code of conduct, form the cornerstones of our Group philosophy and provide a solid platform for Thomson's corporate responsibility commitments. Corporate responsibility is coordinated Group-wide at Thomson. A team at Thomson Group headquarters keeps records of performance, identifies deficits and ensures that these are rectified by the responsible departments. It bases its work on established processes and systems such as the environmental management system.
A holistic approach
As a provider of services internationally, Thomson occupies a special position. For Thomson, exercising corporate responsibility is an expression of intelligent corporate management. This requires Thomson to hold economic, social and ecological capital. In the ecological dimension Thomson is committed to maximum eco-efficiency. Capital in this area is largely sustained by means of an environmental management system that aims to conserve resources and minimize environmental damage.
Environmental policy and strategy
Thomson has pursued a universal Group-wide environmental policy underpinned by a common four-year environmental strategy. Together, the environmental policy and strategy constitute binding guidelines for all Group companies. The current environmental strategy covers the several priorities and goals.
Consumption of resources
For Thomson there are three main categories of resources: energy resources (electricity, heating and vehicle fuels), consumables (paper, water etc.) and infrastructure resources (construction materials, electronics, cabling).
Environmental laws and risks
For years Thomson has been systematically documenting all environmental issues and regularly monitoring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. This procedure is performed in the interests of environmental protection, and to date has helped Thomson to avoid unpleasant surprises and court cases. In the year under review, all amendments in the laws and statutes related to chemicals (Law on Chemicals, Chemical Ordinance, Chemical Risk Reduction Ordinance) came into force.
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