Deutsche Post DHL has developed a Code of Conduct that has been applicable in all regions and in all divisions since mid-2006. The Code of Conduct lays down guidelines for day-to-day workplace conduct for our approximately 500,000 employees.
Its cornerstones are respect, tolerance, honesty, openness, integrity vis-à-vis employees and customers and willingness as a company to assume social responsibility. The guidelines apply to employees at all hierarchical levels and in all divisions.
The compliance organisation at Deutsche Post DHL comprises the Compliance Committee, the Global Compliance Office – including the Regional Compliance Offices – and the Integrity Board. The Compliance Committee makes decisions on the fundamental requirements of compliance management and any necessary measures. It is supported by the Global Compliance Office and currently 14 Regional Compliance Offices, and it reports directly to the Board of Management. An Integrity Board, which is made up of both internal and external specialists, advises the Compliance Committee. Compliance management at Deutsche Post DHL is reviewed and improved on an ongoing basis.
To supplement the Code of Conduct, two guidelines were issued in 2009. An anti-corruption guideline gives specific guidance on avoiding corruption in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Conduct, including clear instructions on how to handle gifts, benefits and offers of hospitality. A competition guideline gives specific guidance on the prohibition of agreements with competitors.
The Code of Conduct for suppliers obligates them to adhere to ethical and ecological standards. Since the reporting year, these have expressly included a ban on child and forced labour as well as discrimination. Wages and working hours must correspond with national laws and regulations, and unlawful payments (bribery) are prohibited. The Code of Conduct for suppliers has been included in all new procurement contracts and added to existing long-term framework agreements since 2007.
In addition, we provide various obligatory online training programmes for specific target groups. The sustainability of our compliance processes is regularly reviewed by Internal Audit.