Incident management
Feedback
AkzoNobel fosters a climate in which employees give each other feedback on their behavior relating to the core principles. This is an important part of having the right compliance culture and educating our employees on how to deal with integrity issues. If an employee becomes aware of a potential violation of the Code of Conduct, he or she is encouraged to speak to the individual, raise their concerns with their compliance officer, HR business partner or manager or use our SpeakUp! grievance mechanism.
SpeakUp!
The SpeakUp! grievance mechanism offers employees, business partners and the general public a confidential environment in which they can raise any concerns relating to compliance with our Code of Conduct. Complaints can be raised without risk of retaliation and anonymously if so desired. Once a report on a potential violation is made, it is investigated on its merits in accordance with proper investigation procedures. If a complaint is found to be substantiated, the necessary actions are taken, including disciplinary measures and root cause analysis.
In 2016, 324 reports and alerts of alleged Code of Conduct violations were registered. In total, 187 of these were received through our formal SpeakUp! channels. Of the 324 reports and alerts, 89 were (partially) substantiated, while 22 were Category 1 matters, as the reported allegations met certain materiality criteria. These reports and alerts led to 48 dismissals. Other sanctions and remedial actions in (partially) substantiated matters included: coaching/training (21); warnings (6); review of procedures/controls (2); other disciplinary actions (9).
During the year, an analysis was performed examining several years of data relating to the handling of Code of Conduct violations. This analysis identified the potential for inconsistent handling of Code of Conduct cases across various businesses and regions. In response to this analysis, several initiatives were undertaken to improve the investigation framework. We appointed a global head of investigations and dedicated compliance managers in Performance Coatings, Decorative Paints and the corporate functions. All compliance managers received extensive investigations training. Improvements were also made to the reporting and decision-making of investigations. As a result of these initiatives, the quality, consistency and completion time of investigations has improved.
Our Code of Conduct defines our core principles and how we work. It incorporates fundamental principles on issues such as business integrity, labor relations, human rights, health, safety, environment and security and community involvement.
Our Code of Conduct defines our core principles and how we work. It incorporates fundamental principles on issues such as business integrity, labor relations, human rights, health, safety, environment and security and community involvement.