The Vodafone Code of Conduct · 2 2 A message from our Chief Executive 3 Why we have a Code of...
Transcript of The Vodafone Code of Conduct · 2 2 A message from our Chief Executive 3 Why we have a Code of...
The Vodafone Code of Conduct
Doing what’s right
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A message from our Chief Executive 3
Why we have a Code of Conduct 5
Our Business Principles 7
Speak Up 9
Individual conduct 11
Security of our people, property and information 11
Avoidingconflictsofinterest 13
Giftsandhospitality 15
Travelandexpenses 16
Managingourinformationanddocuments 16
Compliance with the law 17
Insiderdealing 17
Competitionlaws 18
Briberyandimproperpayments 19
Anti-money laundering 20
Globalsanctions 21
Tradecontrols 21
Health and safety 22
Contents
Financial integrity 23
Committingtocontractsandexpenditure 24
Operatingaresponsiblesupplychain 24
Protectingourbrandandotherassets 25
Public policy 26
Communications 27
SpeakingonbehalfofVodafone 27
Usingsocialmedia 28
Customers 29
OurPrivacyCommitments 29
Employees 31
Diversityandinclusion 31
Preventingharassmentandbullying 32
Drugsandalcohol 33
Communities and society 34
Environment 35
Key definitions used in this Code 36
“Trustisfundamentalineverythingwedo”.
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“Beinganadmiredcompanyisnotjustaboutourperformanceandachievements,it’salsoabout actinginaresponsible,ethicalandlawfulway.”
A message from our Chief Executive
Beinganadmiredcompanyisnotjustaboutourperformanceandachievements,it’salsoaboutactinginaresponsible,ethicalandlawfulway.Asoneoftheworld’sleadinginternationalcompanies,weneedtoearnthetrustofourcustomers,colleaguesandthecommunitieswherewework.
OurCodeofConductsetsoutourbusinessprinciplesandhoweverysinglepersonatVodafoneneedstoapplythese.WecallthisDoingwhat’sright.
Iamproudaboutworkingforacompanythathasthehigheststandardsofintegrityandwhichpassionatelyprotectsitspeople,assetsandreputation.PleasetakethetimetounderstandourCodeofConduct,toSpeakUpwhenyouhaveanyconcernsandalwaysdowhat’sright.
Vittorio Colao VodafoneGroupChiefExecutiveOfficer
Vittorio Colao VodafoneGroupChiefExecutiveOfficer
Watch the video
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Why we have a Code of ConductTrustisfundamentaltoeverythingwedo.
Doingwhat’srightmeanswemustalwaysactwithintegrity toensurewearetrustedbyourcustomers,colleagues, businesspartnersandthecommunitiesinwhichwework.
OurCodeofConductsetsoutwhatweexpectfromevery singlepersonworkingforandwithVodafone.Italsounderlines ourresponsibilitiestoourpeople,partnersandshareholders.
TheCodeofConducthelpsusallmakeinformeddecisions andtellsuswheretogoformoreinformation.
What is the Code of Conduct?TheCodeofConductisourcentralpolicydocument,outliningtherequirementsthateverysinglepersonworkingforandwithVodafonemustcomplywith,regardlessoflocation.Ofcourseyoumayalsohaveadditionalpoliciesyouneedtoadheretothatarespecifictoyourroleoryourlocalmarket.
Who is the Code of Conduct for?OurCodeofConductisforeveryoneworkingforandwithVodafone:employees,directors,contractors,subsidiaries,jointventuresandsuppliers.WeexpectoursuppliersandbusinesspartnerstoupholdthesamestandardsandtoabidebyourCodeofEthicalPurchasing.Thiscanbefoundonvodafone.comandontheCodeofConductintranetpage.
What are the consequences of not complying?ThereareveryseriousconsequencesfornotcomplyingwithourCodeofConduct.Wemaytakedisciplinaryactionandevendismisspeoplewherenecessary.
What does this mean for me?Weexpectyouto:
• Behaveinanethicalmanner,takingprideinyouractionsanddecisions
• ComplywiththeprinciplesandrulesinourCodeofConductandfulfilyourlegalandregulatoryobligations
• UnderstandTheVodafoneWayandapplyourBusinessPrinciplesto your work
• Speak Up if you feel a working practice isnotethicalorsafeorifitbreachesourCodeofConduct.
Following the lawVodafoneoperatesinmorethan25countries.OurCodeofConductcannotcoverallofthelawsandregulationsinallofthosecountries.Alwaysbefamiliarwiththerelevantlawsandregulationsthatapplywhereyouwork.IfthereisadifferencebetweenalocallegalrequirementandourCode,applythemoststringentstandard.Ifinanydoubt,contact your line manager, Legal, HR, or Complianceteam.
If you are a line manager, you have an important role in ensuring our Code of Conduct is understood and applied by your team. In particular, we expect you to:• BearolemodelforDoingwhat’sright
• Ensureyourteammembersare familiarwithourCodeandthattheyunderstandit
• HoldyourteammembersaccountableforcomplyingwithourCode.
If you are ever unsure about what to do you should ask yourself:
• Isitlegal?
• Doesitfeelright?AmIbeingfair andhonest?
•Willmyactionstandthetestoftime?
•HowwillIfeelaboutitafterwards?
•Howwoulditlookonthefrontpageofthenewspaper?
•CouldIjustifyittomyfamily?
Ifyouanswer‘no’or‘I’mnotsure’toanyofthesequestionsthenyoushouldseeksupport.Youcanspeaktoyourlinemanageroranothercolleagueyoutrust,theymightbeabletogiveyoutheguidanceandadviceyouneed.YoucanalsoaskyourlocalComplianceteam.
The Vodafone WayTheVodafoneWaysetsoutourcorevaluesforhowweworkso wecanbeadmiredbyourcustomers,shareholders,thepeople weworkwithandthecommunitiesweworkin.
Our Business PrinciplesOurBusinessPrinciplesarethefoundationforhowwedo businesseverywhereweoperateandareattheheartof ourCodeofConduct.
The Vodafone Way
Customer ObsessedWe are passionate about exceeding customer expectations
We create and deliver new products, services and ways of working that delight our customers
• Immerses self in customer experience• Takes personal accountability for the customer experience • Looks outside Vodafone to understand customer experience, behaviour and trends
• Takes risks and pushes what’s possible; always looks for innovation• Looks outside of Vodafone for ideas and inspiration and acts on these• Implements solutions which are simple, impactful and replicable
• Raises the bar for self and team • Delivers lean and cost effective every time• Strives to outperform competitors looks beyond internal benchmarks
We drive speed to market. We relentlessly prioritise�and pursue the outcomes that matter to our business
• Makes RAPID business decisions• Delivers the right things with urgency• Analyses fast, executes fast
• Sets direction; generates commitment & engagement • Enables performance, balancing task, people & results
• Builds capacity through growing talent & skills, high performing diverse teams and a lean & effective organisation
• Acts and communicates with simplicity • Prioritises the right things • Creates a simple working environment
• Do what you say you will do• Trust others to deliver• Support decisions once made
We make things simple for our customers, partners and colleagues
We are reliable and transparent to deal with. We�deliver for others and trust others to do likewise
• Collaborates across markets & functions; makes best decision for Vodafone as a whole• Influences across the business – shapes thinking and impacts others’ views• Values our differences and acts inclusively, communicates and uses best practice
Innovation Hungry
Ambitious & Competitive
Speed Simplicity
Be an Admired Leader
Trust
We bring energy and passion to our work and always aim to beat the competition
We work across Vodafone to achieve the best outcome for customers, employees and shareholders
One Company, Local Roots
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Our Business Principles
Individual conductWeactwithhonesty,integrityandfairnessinourdealingsbothinternallyandexternally.Wedonottolerateanyformofbribery,includingimproperoffersofpaymentsorgiftstoorfromemployees.Weavoidanycontractsthatmightleadto,orsuggest,aconflictofinterestbetweenpersonalactivitiesandthebusiness.Weneithergivenoraccepthospitalityorgiftsthatmightappeartoincuranobligation.WepursuemutuallybeneficialrelationshipsandseektopromotetheapplicationofourBusinessPrincipleswithourbusinesspartnersandsuppliers.
Compliance with the lawWecomplywiththeprovisionsofallapplicabledomesticandinternationallawsandappropriatestandardsandprinciples.
Health and safetyWeprotectthehealth,safetyandwellbeingofourcustomers,employees,partnersandthecommunitiesinwhichweoperateanddiscloseanyinformationthatcomestoourknowledgethatclearlydemonstratesthatanyofourproductsorservicesbreachinternationallyacceptedsafetystandardsorguidelines.
Financial integrityWeprovidethebestpossiblereturnforourshareholdersoverthelongerterm.Webaseourinvestmentdecisions,acquisitionsandbusinessrelationshipsoneconomiccriteriabutwealsotakeintoaccountsocialandenvironmentalconsiderations.
Public policyWevoiceouropinionsongovernmentproposalsandothermattersthatmayaffectVodafoneandourstakeholders. Wedonotmakegiftsordonationstopoliticalpartiesorinterveneinpartypoliticalmatters.
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CommunicationsWecommunicateopenlyandtransparentlywithallourstakeholderswithintheboundsofcommercialconfidentiality.Weprotectconfidentialinformationfromimproperdisclosure,andanyauthorisedcommunicationofconfidentialinformationshouldbelimitedtoindividualswhoneedittocarryouttheirwork.
CustomersWevaluethetrustourcustomersplace inusandsafeguardtheinformationprovidedtous.
EmployeesWebaserelationshipswithandbetweenemployeesonrespectforindividualsandtheirhumanrightsanddonottoleratechildlabour.Wedonotacceptanyformofdiscrimination,harassmentorbullying.Wepursueequalityofopportunityandinclusionforallemployeesthroughouremploymentpoliciesandpractices.
Communities and societyWeengagewithlocalcommunitiestohelpusunderstandandrespondtoanyconcernstheymayhave,forexampleinrelationtonetworkdeployment.Wealwaysprovideourstakeholderswithaccesstocorrect, relevant and current information andbuildtrustthroughintegrity,transparency,honestyandobjectivity.Weinvestinsocietyinawaythatmakeseffectiveuseofourresources,includingsupportforcharitableorganisations.
EnvironmentWecommittoprotectingtheenvironment.Weminimiseouruseoffiniteresources(suchasenergy,waterandrawmaterials)andthereleaseofharmfulemissionstotheenvironment(includingwaste,airemissionsanddischargestowater).Weseektoimprovetheenvironmentalperformanceoftheproductsandservicesweprovide,aswellassupportthosethatofferenvironmentalandsocialbenefitstoourcustomers.
“Weactwithhonesty,integrityandfairnessinourdealingsbothinternallyandexternally.”
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What does this mean for me?Therearethreewaystospeakup:
1 Report it to your line manager:Weknowitisnotalwayseasytoraiseyourconcerns.Tomakeiteasier,wehaveanopencommunicationspolicysoweencourageyoutodiscussanyissuesorpotentialissuesthatconcernyouwith yourlinemanager.
2 Report it to your local HR team:Ifit’snotappropriatetodiscusstheissuewithyourlinemanager,youshoulddiscussthematterwithyourlocalHRteam.
3 Report it confidentially to our external Speak Up hotline:Youmaywanttoreportyourconcern tosomeonewhoisfurtherremovedfromthesituation.Theremaybeoccasionswhenreportingaconcerninternallyis notappropriateordoesn’tfeellikethe rightapproach.EveryoneworkingfororwithVodafonehasaccesstoanexternalreportingmechanism:
What happens next?Thestepsbelowoutlinewhatwedowhensomeoneraisesaconcern:
• Whenyouraiseaconcern,adecisionwillbemadeastowhichareawillprogressthematter:HumanResources,CorporateSecurityorLegalteamsortheGroupequivalents
•Wewillthencontactthepersonraisingtheconcern(thiscanbedonethroughexternal Speak Up line by providing an accesspin)toensurewehavealltheinformationweneedandtalkthroughournextsteps
• Ifwedecidetoproceedwithaninvestigation,aqualifiedexpertwillinvestigate,keepingthepersonwhoraisedtheconcerninformedthroughouttheprocess
• Wewillkeeptransparentandaccuraterecordsofalldisclosuresandsubsequentactions.
I am a contractor working on a Vodafone contract and I have a concern to report. Can I use the external Speak Up line?A: Yes.TheexternalSpeakUplineisfortheuseofemployeesandcontractorsaswellassuppliers,businesspartners,jointventurepartnersandagentsofVodafone.
Q: I am concerned that my colleagues will find out if I raise a concern. Will it be kept confidential?A:Protectingtheidentityofinnocentpeopleisourpriority.Vodafonewillnottolerateretaliationagainstanemployeewhoraisesagenuineconcern.Wewillkeepwhatyoutellusprivateandconfidentialthroughouttheinvestigationprocess,subjecttoourlegalobligations.AnonymousreportingisavailableinmostmarketsthroughourexternalSpeakUpline.
IfyouseebehaviouratworkwhichyoufeelmaybeabreachofourCodeofConductorseemsillegalorunethical,pleasereportit.Youmustreportanybehaviourwhichyoususpecttobeunlawfulorcriminal.Thiscouldbebribery,fraud,pricefixing orabreachofdataprivacy.
Youmustalsoreportabuseofoursystems,processesorpolicies.Thiscouldbebullyingorharassment,aconflictofinterest,dangertothehealthandsafety ofemployeesorthepublic,potentialabusesofhumanrightsorseriousenvironmentalissues.
Vodafonehasanon-retaliationpolicyforwhenagenuineconcernhasbeenreported.Noactionwillbetakenagainstyouifyoureportsuchconcerns,evenifthereisnoprovenunlawfulconductofcompliancebreach.
Speak Up
Q: What if I report something suspicious that turns out not to be a compliance breach?
A:Thisisfineaslongasyourreportwasmadebecauseofagenuineconcern.
Q: I have a concern about the actions of a colleague. How should I report this?A: The most important thing is that you report your concern. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter which route you choose. If you feel comfortable talking to your line manager, do that. Your line manager is there to support you and can help you choose the correct course of action.
Watch the videoSpeak Up pagePreferred contact: –Yourlinemanager – Local HR team
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Individual conduct
Security of our people, property and informationVodafonehandlesvastamountsofinformationeveryday.Thesystemsandnetworkswhichholdourcustomers’andemployees’datamustbesecure.
Theinformationweuse(whetherwrittenorspoken,digitalorphysical)needstobeprotectedsothatwecanbesureofits:
Confidentiality:ourinformationisnotdisclosedtounauthorisedpeople.
Integrity:ourinformationisaccurate,completeandauthentic.
Availability:ourinformationisaccessiblewhenweneedit.
Followthesesimplestepstosafeguardandprotecttheinformationprovidedtous:
1 Value information and classify it• C4VodafoneSecret:criticalinformationthatcouldaffectourshareprice
• C3VodafoneConfidential:sensitiveinformationthatwillonlybesharedonaneed-to-knowbasis
• C2VodafoneRestricted:day-to-dayinformationthatwesharewithcolleaguesandauthorisedthirdparties
• C1VodafonePublic:informationwesharewiththepublic–althoughthisstillrequiresExternalCommunicationsapproval.
2 Clear your desk and lock your screen• Lockyourscreenifyouleaveyourcomputerunattendedandensureclassifiedinformationissecurelystoredifyouleaveyourdesk
• Switchoffyourcomputerattheendofthedayandlocklaptopsaway
• Clearyourdeskwhenyouleavefor theday
• Storeclassifiedinformationcorrectlyanddisposeofitsecurelywhenitisnolongerneeded.
3 Protect your password• Donotshareyourpasswordwithanyone
or write it down
• Donotletyourcomputer‘remember’yourpasswords
• Choosepasswordsthatcontainatleasteightcharacterswithamixtureofupperandlowercaseletters,numbersandspecialcharacters.
4 Think before you click• Becarefulwhenopeningattachmentsfromunknownaddresses
• Onlyuseauthorisedsoftware
• Donotclicklinkswhichmaytakeyou tounsafewebsites
• Donotuseoursystemsforanythingobscene,indecent,offensive,defamatory,illegalorotherwiseinappropriatefortheworkplace.
5 Protect data at all times• AlwaysdisplayyourIDpasswhen youareonVodafonepremises
• Alwayslookafterlaptopsandother workequipmentwhenyouarenot intheoffice
• Avoidleavingoriginaldocuments inprintersorphotocopiers
• Use‘secureprinting’.
“Wevaluethetrustourcustomersplaceinusandwillsafeguard theinformationprovidedtous.”
Q: Can I allow my visitor to make his/her own way out of the building?A:No.AnyvisitorsthatyouinviteontoVodafonepremisesareyourresponsibility.Superviseyourvisitorsatalltimesanddonotshareorloanyouraccesscard.
Q: A colleague is covering my role while I am on holiday and needs access to the systems I use. It’s a lot of hassle to get them a log-in and password, can I just give them mine?A: No.Youshouldnevergiveyourlogindetailstootherpeople.Weneedtokeepaccuraterecordsofwhohasaccesstooursystems.Everyonewhohasaccesstooursystemsmustbeauthorised.
Q: I’m working from home and I’m having problems accessing the Vodafone network. Can I ask my colleague to send me the information I need to my personal email account?A:No.InformationsenttopersonalemailaccountsisnotprotectedinthesamewayastheinformationontheVodafonenetwork.Youshouldneversendinformationtoapersonalaccountoruploaditontoapersonalcomputerorotherdevice.
12Preferred contact: – Corporate Security team
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Avoiding conflicts of interestIfyoufindyourselfinapositionwhereyourpersonalandbusinessinterestspotentiallycomeintoconflict,youarerequiredtodeclare,obtainapprovalandregisterthesepotentialconflictsofinterests.Tohelpyoudecidewhetheryouarefacingaconflictofinterest,imagineyouareexplainingyouractionstofriends,acolleagueorthemediaandconsiderwhetheryouwouldfeelcomfortable.
Herearesomeexamplesofactual conflicts of interest,whichmustbeavoidedorimmediatelyresolved:
• Anyoutsidebusinessactivitythatdetractsfromyourabilitytodevoteappropriate time and attention toyourresponsibilitieswithinVodafone
• Recruiting or managing a relative or partner
• RecruitinganindividualduetotheirsignificantpoliticalconnectionswhichyouintendtoleverageforVodafone’sbenefit
• Apersonalinterestinasupplier,customerorcompetitorwhichinfluencesyourdecisionsatwork
• UsingVodafoneresourcesforpoliticalactivities
Q: A close friend is applying for a job in Vodafone, is this OK?A:WeencourageyoutorecommendVodafoneasagreatplacetowork.However,youmustensurethatyou arenotinvolvedintherecruitmentprocessandthejobroleinquestionisnotreportingtoyou.
Q: I work part-time in my family business. Do I need to declare an interest?A: Yes.EvenifthebusinessisnotrelatedtoVodafone.Insomecountriestherearerestrictionsonthenumberofhoursyoucanwork.Breachingtheserulesmightaffectyourhealthandthequalityofyourwork.ItcouldalsoresultinafineforVodafone.
Herearesomeexamplesofpotential conflicts of interest,whicharesituationsthatrequireyoutoagreeawayofensuringtheconflictdoesnotmaterialise,obtainapprovalandregistertheinterest:
• Boardmembership(byyourselforacloserelative)ofanenterprisecustomerorsupplier
• Otheremployment
• Acloserelationshipwithaseniormanagerofacompetitororsupplier
• Workinginthesamedepartmentasyourpartnerorcloserelative
• Amaterialfinancialinterest(byyourselforacloserelative)inasupplierorenterprisecustomer.Ifyou’reunsureifyourinterestismaterialconsultyourlocalHRteam
What does this mean for me?Weexpectyouto:
• ActinVodafone’sbestinterests,recognisingpotentialconflictsofinterest
• Discussconcernswithyourlinemanagerandregisteranypotentialconflict ofinterest
• Removeyourselffrombusinessareaswhereyouhaveapersonalinterest
• NotmakepoliticaldonationsinVodafone’sname
• CheckwithlocallawsandVodafonerequirementsbeforemakinginvestments.
Tell your local manager and HR team about:• Anyotheremploymentyouundertakeorboardmemberships
• Closerelationshipswithpeopleinyourreportingchain
• Closerelationshipswithpeoplegoingthroughtherecruitmentortenderprocess,ifyouhaveanyinfluence overthedecisionstorecruitoraward a contract
• Closerelationshipswithpeoplewhoworkforcompetitors,majorcustomers,suppliersorotherbusinesspartners.Thisisparticularlyimportantifyouhaveaccesstosensitiveinformation.
What to do if you see yourself in a situation of potential conflicts of interest:Step 1DeclareyourpotentialconflictofinterestbyinformingyourlinemanagerandHRbusinesspartner.
Step 2 AgreehowitwillbemanagedandgettheapprovalfromyourlinemanagerandlocalHRteam.
Step 3 Registerthesituationonlinesoyouandthecompanyareprotected.
Preferred contact: –Yourlinemanager – Local HR team
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Gifts and hospitalityWesupportthereasonableandproportionate giving and receiving of hospitalityaspartofanormalbusinessrelationship.However,weprohibitthegivingorreceivingofanygiftsorhospitalitythatareexcessiveorimproper.
Weneedtoensurethatweareneverinfluencedby,orseektoinfluencethrough,theprovisionofgiftsorhospitality.Forexample,wedonotgiveorreceivegiftsorhospitalityduringatenderprocessorwhensigninganewdeal.
TheCorporateGiftsandHospitalityPolicyStandardoutlinestheprinciplesweallneedtofollow,includingtherequirementsforgainingapprovalandregistering itemsgivenorreceived.Youshould alsoconsultyourlocaltravelpolicyfordetailsofclaimableexpenses,available ontheintranet.
WealsohaveadditionalapprovalprocessesforgivingorreceivinggiftsorhospitalitytoPublicOfficials.
Travel and expensesYourlocaltravelandexpensespolicysetsouttherulesyouneedtofollow.Itcontainsalltherelevantinformation,includingalistofapprovedhotels,andinstructionsonhowtouseourdesignatedtravelagencyandhowtobookonline.
Travelandaccommodationbookings madethroughotherchannelswillnot bereimbursed.
Whenplanningyourtravel,trytofindtherightbalancebetweenbusinessneed,environmentalimpact,financialcostandyourhealthandwell-being.
What does this mean for me?Weexpectyouto:
• Followyourlocalpolicyrulesontravelandexpenses
• Bookanappropriateclassoftraveland ahotelfromourpre-approvedlist
• Haveacostconsciousapproachandonlyclaimreasonableandnecessaryexpensesforbusinesspurposes
• Consideryourimpactontheenvironmentanduseweb/video/ audiofacilitiesinsteadoftravelling whenpossible
• Gettheappropriateapprovalsfor yourexpenses
• Providetherightevidenceforyourexpenseclaims.
Managing our information and documentsIfthereisnobusinessreasonorlegalrequirementfordocumentstoberetainedtheyshouldbedestroyedinanenvironmentallyfriendlyway.Keepinginformationlongerthannecessaryonlyincreasesourneedforstoragefacilities.
What does this mean for me?Weexpectyouto:
• Complywiththeproceduresrelevant toyou,whicharesetoutinyour local Management and Retention ofDocumentsPolicyStandard
• Onlykeepdocumentsforaslong asyourlocaldocumentretention schedulerequires.
“Youmustalwaysobservelocallawsandregulationsforgivingandreceivinggiftsandhospitality.”
What does this mean for me?• Youshouldnever:
–giveoracceptanygiftsorhospitalityof inappropriate value
–giveoracceptanygiftsorhospitalityduringatenderprocess
–giveoracceptanycashorcashequivalent
–askforgiftsorhospitality
•Thegivingorreceivingofgiftsshould be rare
• Thinkaboutthecontextofthegiftorhospitality:imaginehowitmightlooktosomeoneoutsideVodafoneoronthefrontpageofthenewspaper
•IfthegiftorhospitalityinvolvesaPublicOfficial,pleaseconsultwithyourlocalLegalteamasyoumayneedadditionalapproval from Group
•KnowandunderstandtheGiftsandHospitalityPolicyinyourmarket
•Seekapprovalandrecordgiftsorhospitalitywhererequiredby yourpolicy.
Q: I’ve been invited out to dinner by a potential supplier currently bidding for a new contract. What should I do?A:Youshoulddecline.Itisinappropriatetogoforlunch/dinneroranyotherhospitalityeventwithasupplierduringatenderprocessorrequestforproposalprocess.
Q: I’ve been sent a high value gift by a supplier and don’t want to cause offence by returning it. What should I do?A:Itisimportantthatyounotify your line manager and seekguidancefromyourlocalHRorLegalteam.Ideallyyoushouldpolitelyrefuseandreturnthegift.Ifthisisnotpossiblethentheitemshouldbedonatedtocharity.
Q: My travel costs into the office are expensive. Can I claim some of it back?A: Normaltravelintoyourplaceofworkcan’tbereclaimed.Theremaybeexceptionsforoutofhoursworking;checkyourlocalpolicyfordetails.
Q: Can I claim expenses for my partner or spouse to travel with me?
A: Taking your partner, friend or family member on a businesstripisnotaclaimableexpense.Theonlyexceptioniscertaininternationalassignmentswherewedooffersupportwithtravelcosts.
Q: I think I am going to retain all my documents, in case they are needed in the future. Is that OK?
A: Youneedtobeselective.Somedocumentsdoneedtobe retained for audit, tax or legalpurposes.Forexample,documentsrelevanttoaninvestigationorlitigationshouldbekeptuntiltheinvestigationorlitigationiscompletelyresolved.Bycontrast,aninvitationtoameetingthathasalreadytakenplaceisanexampleofadocumentyoushoulddestroy.
Preferred contact: –Yourlinemanager – Local Legal team
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Insider dealingInmanycountriesitisillegalforpeopletoprofitfrominsiderdealing.Thismeansusinginformationwhichisnotgenerallyavailable,butwhichyouhaveaccesstoasaresultofyourjoborbusinessrelationships,toinformthepurchaseorsaleofsharesorsecurities.
Suchinformationcouldhaveanimpactonthevalueofthosesharesorsecuritiesifitwasmadepublic.ThetradingofsecuritiesorthemanipulationofsharepricesbasedoninformationwemayhaveasresultofworkingforVodafoneisprohibited.
TheserulesapplyevenafteryoustopworkingforVodafone.
What does this mean for me?Insidertradingresultsinseverepenaltiesinmostcountrieswithparticipantsfacingeitheraheavyfine,aprisonsentenceorboth.SopleasediscussanyconcernsorqueriesyouhavewiththeGroupCorporateSecretariatteam.
Weexpectyouto:
•Notbuy,sellorotherwisedealinVodafonesecuritiesifyouhaveinsideinformation
•Notsellorotherwisedealinanysecuritiesofanycompanyifyouhaveinsideinformation
•Notpassinsideinformationtothirdparties.Thisisnotonlyabreachofconfidentialitybutyoumayalsobecommitting an offence
Compliance with the law
Competition lawsWebelieveinfreeandfaircompetition.Mostmarketswhereweoperatehavelawsdesignedtoprotectfreeandfaircompetition.
TheselawsforbidarrangementswithcompetitorsthataffecttradinginthemarketandcanapplybothtoVodafoneandotherorganisations.
Youshouldneverseek,acceptordiscussconfidentialinformationwithcompetitors.
Anti-competitivepracticescandamageourbusiness.Youshouldneverencouragecustomers,suppliersorformeremployeesofcompetitorstoprovideinformationthattheyshouldkeepconfidential.
What does this mean for me?ToensurethatVodafonecompliesfullywithcompetitionlawsandthatwecanidentifyanypotentialbreaches,pleasefollowthethreestepsbelow:
Q: My friend is thinking about selling some Vodafone shares in the next few days. I know Vodafone is due to make an announcement that will have a positive impact on the share price. Is it okay if I drop hints to my friend that he should wait to sell?
A:No.YoushouldneverleakinformationaboutVodafone’sbusinesswhichisnotpubliclyavailable.Neithershouldyouuseinsideinformationtoinfluencetheinvestmentdecisionsofothers.
Q: My colleague sent me an email containing information about a competitor which could easily be misinterpreted. What should I do?
A:Youshouldadviseyourcolleaguethathe/sheshouldnotwriteanythingthatcanbemisinterpreted.Anythingwewrite(orsay)canbeusedaslegalevidence.Infact,emailsarethemostcommonformoflegalevidence.
Q: While at a conference, a sales director from another company started talking to me about the economic outlook in Europe and what this meant for our data pricing plans for the future. What should I do?
A:Stoptheconversationandwalkaway.Youshouldnotdiscussanyofourpricingorconfidentialcommercialinformationwithanyofourcompetitors.
“Wecomplywiththeprovisionsofallapplicabledomesticandinternationallawsandappropriatestandardsandprinciples.”
2 Always be vigilant in your business dealings with third partiesInparticular,rememberthat:
•Anti-competitivepracticesincludeinformalagreementsandsharingofinformationwithcompetitors,aswell asformalcontracts
•Itisnotalwaysobviouswhoourcompetitorsare.Someofoursuppliers,customersandbusinesspartnerscompetewithusincertainmarkets. Inparticular,manyofourdistributors aredirectcompetitorsofourown retailchannels.
3 If in doubt, ask your local Legal team.
1 Have a basic knowledge of how the competition rules apply to youHerearesomeexamplesofanti-competitivepractices:
•Sharingsensitiveinformationwithcompetitors(suchasprices,costsandsalesvolumes)
•Agreeingwithcompetitorstofixthepriceofproductsorservices,includingdiscounts,rebatesandcommissions
•Agreeingwithcompetitorstodividecertainaccounts,regionsandmarketsbetweenus
•Agreeingwithresellersanddistributorstofixtheminimumresalepriceofproductsorservicesatretailchannels.
Watch the videoPreferred contact: – Local Legal team
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Bribery and improper paymentsThelawprohibitsbriberyineverykindofcommercialsetting.Wearecommittedtocounteringallformsofbribery.
Abribecancomeinmanyforms.Facilitationpaymentsandkickbacksareexamplesofbribery.Givingoracceptinggiftsandhospitalitymightalsobebriberyincertainsituations.
Facilitationpaymentsareillegal.Vodafonewillnottoleratethemunlessanemployee’spersonalsafetyisatrisk,inwhichcasethemattershouldbereportedtoyourlocalLegalteamassoonaspossible.
ManycountriesprohibittheofferingorgivinganythingofvaluetoPublicOfficialsinordertoinfluencetheiractions.Oneofthewayswemakesurethisdoesnothappenisbynotmakingpoliticaldonations.
Localwaysofworkingarenotanexceptiontotheserules.TheserulesapplynotonlytoVodafoneemployeesbutalsotoanyoneauthorisedtoactonbehalfofthecompanyorrepresentit,suchasagents,advisors,representativesorintermediaries.
What does this mean for me?Weexpectyouto:
•Becautiouswhengivingorreceivinggiftsorentertainment,especiallywhenaPublicOfficialisinvolved.SeetheGiftsandhospitality(refertopage15)sectionfor more information
•Ensurethatallgiftsandentertainmentare permitted by local law
•BeawarethatVodafonemaybeliablefortheactionsofthirdparties
•Beawarethatevencharitabledonationscanbeseenasbribesifpaymentsaremadetofacilitateaprocessorsecure a commercial advantage
•Refusetopayfacilitationpayments
•Ifindoubt,askyourComplianceteam.
Q: I am travelling abroad later this month and need to get a work visa quickly. The person processing my request at the embassy has said that they can speed up the process if I pay a small fee in cash. Is this okay?A:No.Thissoundslikeafacilitationpayment,whichisaformofbriberyandisillegal.Ifthispaymentisastandardorofficialfee–suchaspartofapubliclyavailablefast-trackservice–thenitisOKtoproceed.However,eventhenyoushouldconsultyourlocalLegal department for advice first,asyoumaybeputtingyourselfandVodafoneatriskofprosecution.
“Youmustnever offer or accept any formofbribe.”
Anti-money launderingOurfinancialservicesproducts,likeM-Pesa,havemanysocialbenefitsandareimprovingfinancialinclusioninmanyofourmarkets.Itisvitalthatthesebenefitsarenotcompromisedbythesameservicesbeingabusedforcriminalpurposes.
Wetakearobustapproachtotheprevention, detection and reporting of moneylaunderingandterroristfinancing.Wehaveappropriaterisk-basedsystemsandcontrolsinplaceonourfinancialproductsincludingcustomerduediligence,sanctionlistscreening,transactionmonitoring,suspiciousactivityreporting,employee training, and compliance monitoring,toensurethatwearemeetingourcomplianceobligations.
Allemployees,includingcontractors,arerequiredtoreportanysuspicionofmoneylaunderingtotheirlocalmarketorGroupMoneyLaunderingReportingOfficer.
Q: Why does Vodafone need to comply with anti-money laundering regulations – I thought it was aimed at banks?A:Vodafoneoffersfinancialservicesinsomelocalmarkets,suchastheM-Pesaproduct,whichbringsusintothescopeofanti-moneylaunderingregulations.
Q: I have seen a transaction that doesn’t seem right – I’m not sure if it is money laundering, it may be legitimate – what should I do?A:Youdonotneedsolidevidence to validate your suspicion.Ifthereareanygroundstosuspectthetransactionmaybelinkedtotheproceedsofacrime,youarerequiredtomakeareport to your local Money LaunderingReportingOfficer.Onceareporthasbeenmade,ensurethematteriskeptconfidential.
Preferred contact: – Local Legal team
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Global sanctionsTheEU,USandvariouscountrieshavesanctionsinplacethatrestrictfinancialdealingswithalargenumberofentitiesthroughouttheworld.
AsVodafoneGroupPlcisincorporatedintheUK,UKandEUsanctionsarerelevanttoallmembersoftheVodafoneGroup,nomatterwheretheyareincorporated.Incertaincircumstances,USsanctionsarealsorelevant.MembersoftheVodafoneGroupmustalsocomplywiththesanctionsapplicableinthejurisdictioninwhich theyoperate.
WehaveaglobalEconomicSanctionsPolicyStandardandsupportingprogrammetoensurecompliancewithapplicablesanctionslegislation.
What does this mean for me?•FollowtheEconomicSanctionsGlobalPolicyStandardwhenenteringintoarelationship,agreementortransactionofany kind
•Ensurethatallpartiesinvolvedinatransactionarescreenedagainsttherelevantsanctionlists
•Consultwithyourlocalsanctionscontrolmanager or local team immediately if youareaskedtodealwithasanctionedorrestrictedcountry,entityorindividual.
Q: I am selecting a new supplier through the Vodafone Procurement Company, do I need to screen against sanction lists?A:No,theon-boardingprocesscoversthis.
Q: I have discovered that one of the Vodafone products that requires an export license does not have one. What shall I do?A: Contact groupexportcontrols@vodafone.comorreportthisincidenttothelocalLegalteam.
Trade controlsTheEU,USandvariouscountrieshavetradecontrolsinplacewiththeaimofmaintainingorrestoringinternationalpeaceandsecurity.Thesetradecontrolsrestrictandcontroltheflowofgoods,technology(whetherinphysicalorelectronicform),know-howandservicesfromonecountrytoanother,tospecifiedentitiesorforaspecificend-use.
TradecontrolsarerelevanttoallmembersoftheVodafoneGroup,butinparticularthosethatareinvolvedin(i)thedevelopmentoftechnology;(ii)theexportofVodafone-developedtechnology;and(iii)there-exportofanyproductsandtechnologyVodafonehasacquiredfromthirdpartysuppliers.
WehaveaglobalTradeControlsPolicyStandardandsupportingprogrammetoensurecompliancewhenexportingorre-exportingproductsandtechnologysuppliedbythirdpartiesordeveloped byin-house.
What does this mean for me?•Priortotheexportorre-exportofanyproduct,technologyorservice,identifywhethersuchitemisatradecontrolleditemandverifyifthecountryofdeliveryrecipientorenduseissubjectto tradecontrols
•Alwaysobtainanynecessaryexportlicenseandauthorisation
• If in doubt, contact your local Legalteam.
Health and safety
WeexpecteveryoneatVodafonetobehaveinasafeandresponsiblemanneratalltimes.Wewillintervenequicklyifhealthorsafetyisevercompromised.
Itisonlythroughcollectiveresponsibilitythatwecanensurethatourproductsandservicesaresafeforourcustomerstouse.
What does this mean for me?Weexpectyouto:
•AbidebytheAbsoluteRulesatalltimes
•Intervenequicklyifyouseesomeonebehavingunsafely
•Considerhowyourdecisionsandactionswillaffectthehealthandsafetyofothers
•Nevercompromisehealthandsafety.
“Weprotectthehealth,safetyandwellbeingofourcustomers,employees,partnersandthecommunitiesinwhichweoperate.”
Q: You are travelling with a new work colleague, you get into a taxi at an airport. As the taxi drives off your colleague has not put their seat belt on, what should you do?A:RemindthemoftheAbsoluteRuleandwhyitisimportantfortheirsafety.Ensuretheyfastentheir seatbelt.
Q: I often think when I walk through the office that I see things that are potentially dangerous, I don’t mean things that are likely to kill someone but could easily cause injury. I am not sure if I have the authority to stop people and tell them what they are doing is dangerous?A:EveryoneinVodafonehastheauthoritytointerveneandstopsomethingthatisdangerous.Thepersonmaynotrealisethatitisdangerousuntilyoupointitout.Ingeneral,ifitlooksdangerousitprobablyis.
Absolute RulesWealwaysdrivesafelyandlegally: wealwayswearaseatbelt.
Wealwaysdrivesafelyandlegally: wealwaysobeythespeedlimit.
Wealwaysdrivesafelyandlegally: weneveruseahandheldmobiledevicewhendriving.
Weneverworkundertheinfluenceofalcoholordrugs.
Nevercarryoutworkonanyelectricalequipmentunless you’requalified.
Whenworkingatheight,alwayswearprotectivegear,attachasafetyharnessandusefallprotectionequipment.
Neverundertakeanystreetorundergroundworkactivitiesunlesscompetenttodoso.
Preferred contact: – Local Legal team
Watch the videoPreferred contact: –LocalHealthandSafetyteam –Yourlinemanager
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Financial integrity
Webaseourinvestmentdecisions,acquisitionsandbusinessrelationshipsoneconomiccriteriabutwillalsotakeintoaccountsocialandenvironmentalconsiderations.
Financial integrityYoushouldonlyeverspendcompanymoneywherethereisalegitimatebusinessneedandwherethecostisworththebenefit.Youshouldknowthelocalexpenditurelimitsandfinancialpolicieswhichdirectlyapplytoyourrole.
Ourmanagershaveanextradutytoensurethattheirteamsmanagebudgetswellandspendcompanymoneycarefully.Seethe‘Committingtocontractsandexpenditure’sectionformoreinformationaboutapprovalsandsignoff.
Whenassessingvalueformoney,itisimportanttoconsider:quality,service,reliability,sustainability,compliancewithourCodeofEthicalPurchasingandanytermsandconditions.
What does this mean for me?Weexpectyouto:
•Understandandapplythefinanceandexpensepoliciesthatarerelevanttoyour role
•Strivetofindthebestvaluewhenspendingcompanymoney
•Understandwhenyoucanandwhenyoucan’tcommitVodafone’sfunds
•Purchasegoodsandservicesonlythroughourregisteredsuppliers.
Q: I think my colleague is regularly claiming taxi fares for working after hours but actually takes public transport home. What should I do?A:Youshouldspeaktoyourlinemanagerinthefirstinstance.Alternatively,followtheotherSpeakUproutesifyoufeelitismoreappropriate.
“Weprovidethebestpossiblereturnforourshareholdersoverthelongerterm.”
Committing to contracts and expenditureYoumustnotcommitVodafonetoacontractorincurexpenseswithoutappropriateauthorisation.
Vodafoneneedslegallybindingcontracts,withagreedtermsandconditionsbeforeitcommitsitsresources.WithouttheseagreementsVodafoneisopentofinancial,commercial,taxandlegalrisks.
TheDelegationofAuthority(DoA)showswhatlevelofauthorityyouneedbeforeyoucancommitVodafonetoacontractorexpense.EveryoneisexpectedtounderstandhowtheDelegationofAuthorityrulesapplytotheirwork.
What does this mean for me?WeexpectyoutocommitVodafoneonlywhereyou:
• Areauthorisedtodosoinaccordancewithyourlocalapprovalprocess
• Havesoughtlegalandotherrelevantadvicewhereappropriate
• Havecarefullyreviewedthecontract,understooditstermsanddecidedthatenteringintoitisinVodafone’s bestinterests.
Operating a responsible supply chainWebaseallofourprocurementonourCodeofEthicalPurchasing.Wedothistoresponsiblymanagethewiderimpactourbusinesshasoncommunities,societyandtheenvironment.
Wealsoexpectoursuppliesandcontractorstoactresponsibly.Weworkcloselywitheachofthemtomakesuretheyfollowourrequirementsintheiroperationsandsupplychains.
Q: I have the power of attorney to sign a contract in my local market, which is higher than the allowance I have in the Delegation of Authority. Can I sign the contract as I have power of attorney, even if it’s not aligned with Delegation of Authority?A:No.YouhavetocomplywithboththeDelegationofAuthorityandyourPowerofAttorney.Ideallybothshouldbeconsistent.
Q: I have a supplier that I suspect has breached the Code of Ethical Purchasing. What should I do?A:YoushouldreportthistoyourlocalSupplyChainteamimmediately.AlternativelyyoucanusetheSpeakUpprocesstoescalateyourconcern.
Q: Where will I find out the details of my Delegation of Authority limits?A:YouwillfindtheDelegationofAuthorityonourintranet.
Watch the videoPreferred contact: –Yourlinemanager – Local Legal team –LocalSupplyChainteam
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Protecting our brand and other assets
Our brandWehaveoneoftheworld’smostvaluablebrands.Wemustprotectthisvaluableassetbyusingitconsistently.
YoucanhelpprotecttheVodafonebrandbyfollowingourbrandguidelinesandtheBrandandMarketingCommunicationsPolicyStandard.
Thiswillhelpensurethatourbrandiswellmanaged,protectedandbuildstrust,loyaltyandadmiration.
What does this mean for me?Youareexpectedto:
•ComplywithourbrandguidelinesandBrandandMarketingCommunicationsPolicy Standard
•Reportanysuspectedmisuseoftrademarks,logosorotherVodafoneIPRincludingcounterfeitgoods
•NotallowanythirdpartiestousetheVodafonebrandorlogowithoutdiscussingitfirstwithyourlocal Legalteam.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)OurIPRisavaluableassetwhichdifferentiatesusfromourcompetitors.IfwefailtoprotectandrecordthisIPR,welosetheasset.Weobtainpatentstoprotectourideasincludingtechnologicaladvances,newproductsandservices.EachofusisresponsibleforensuringwemanageourIPRandpreventitsunauthoriseduse.ItisequallyimportantthatwerespecttheIPRofothers.
Itisafurtherresponsibilitythatweputinplacethecorrectlegalframeworkswithourpartnersandsuppliersthatsupportourbusinessobjectivesandeffectivelymanagethebenefitsandrisks.
What does this mean for me?Youareexpectedto:
•Whencreatingorcommissioningproductsorservices,ensurenewideasareprotectedwithpatents
•Notdisclosenewideasorprojectsexternallybeforeprotectingthe relevant IPR
•ImmediatelypassallIPRrelatedqueriestoyourlocalorGroupLegalteam.
Physical assetsKeepVodafonepropertysafeandsecureatalltimes.DonotuseVodafonepropertyforpersonalactivities,unlessithasbeenauthorised.
IfVodafoneequipment(includingpasswords,accountdetailsorotherdata)islostorstolen,youshouldreportittoyourlocalCorporateSecurityteam.
Q: Sometimes I see products bearing the Vodafone logo on a stall at my local market. I think they are counterfeit. Do I need to let someone know?A: Yes.YoushouldreportyourconcernstoyourlocalLegalteamandsendasmuchinformationaspossibletoTrade.Marks@vodafone.com.Itisimportantthatweprotectourbrandandreputation.Youmaybeaskedtopurchaseanexampleoftheitemtohelptheinvestigation.
Q: In my team we discuss extensions for existing products and services but have not found a place to capture our ideas. Does such a place exist?A:Yes–anideationtoolisontheintranetwhichmakesitverysimpletoshareanidea,anewconceptoraproposition.
Q: I’m not sure whether an idea I’ve had might be worth something. Can I discuss it with our suppliers to get their views?A: No.Youshouldinitiallydiscusstheideawithyourteam.Ifyouwantfurther input,pleasecontact your local Legal team [email protected].
Public policy
WevoiceouropinionsongovernmentproposalsandothermattersthatmayaffectVodafoneandourstakeholders.Wedonotmakegiftsordonationstopoliticalpartiesorinterveneinpartypoliticalmatters.Theserulesalsoapplytoourbusinessassociateswhenactingonourbehalfoforrepresentingus.
WebuildVodafone’sreputationthroughproactiveengagementwithgovernmentpolicymakersandotherstakeholderssuchasthemedia,non-governmentorganisations,industryanalystsandinternationalinstitutions.
Vodafone’sleadersvoicetheiropinionsonimportantindustrymattersthataffectourbusiness.OurExternalAffairsandRegulatoryteamsprovideaco-ordinatedresponsetorelevantnewgovernmentproposals.
Allpublicstatementstothemedia,industryanalysts,stockbroker/institutionalanalystsandshareholdersmustbeclearandconsistentandonlymadebyauthorisedpersonnel.
What does this mean for me?Weexpectyou:
• NottomakeanycommentsonbehalfofVodafoneunlessyouhavepriorapproval,inaccordancewiththePublicandMediaRelationsPolicyStandard
• NevertouseyourpositioninVodafonetotrytoinfluenceanyotherperson(insideoroutsideofVodafone)tomakepoliticalcontributionsorprovidesupporttoanypoliticalpartiesorpoliticians
• NottomakeanycontributionsorincurexpensesusingaVodafoneaccountfor any political campaign, political party,politicalcandidateoranyoftheiraffiliatedorganisations
• Nottouseyourpositiontoallowotherstouseresourcessuchasworktime,telephones,communications,services ormeetingroomstosupportanypolitical campaign, political party, politicalcandidateoranyoftheiraffiliatedorganisations.
Q: A local reporter has contacted me through a mutual friend to ask me about this year’s annual report. Can I comment?A:No.Youshouldexplainthatyouarenotallowedto comment publicly on Vodafone’sbusiness.Instead,offertoputthereporterintouchwithyourlocalMediaRelationsteam.
“Wevoiceouropinions.”
Preferred contact: – Local Legal team
Preferred contact: –LocalExternalAffairsteam
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Speaking on behalf of VodafoneWemustcommunicaterelevantinformationtoourteamsquicklyandclearly.Internalcommunicationshouldalwaysbeprofessional,evenwhenitisinformal.
NooneshouldmakecommentsonbehalfofVodafoneunlesstheyhavepriorapproval,inaccordancewiththeExternalCommunicationsandInvestorCommunicationsPolicyStandard.
WemustalwaysbeawarethatweareallrepresentativesofVodafoneandthatwhateverwedoandsayinpublicrepresentsthecompany.
“ Provide clear andhonestinformation atalltimesin language thatiseasytounderstand.”
Communications
Wecommunicateopenlyandtransparentlywithallourstakeholderswithintheboundsofcommercialconfidentiality.
Weprotectconfidentialinformationfromimproperdisclosureandanyauthorisedcommunicationofconfidentialinformationshouldbelimitedtoindividualswhoneedittocarryouttheirwork.
Q: Am I allowed to say where I work on my social network profile?A:Yes.Youcandiscloseonyour‘About’pageorbiothatyouareaVodafoneemployee.Beclearaboutwhichpartoftheorganisationyou representandwhatyourresponsibilitiesinclude.Youcan include a link to your local Vodafonewebsite.
Using social mediaWewanttoempowerallofouremployeestobegoodambassadorsforourbrand.However,wedon’twantyoutosayanythingthatcouldhaveunintendedconsequences.
What does this mean for me?Weexpectyouto:
• Ensureyourinternalandexternalcommunicationsareprofessional,timelyand,whennecessary,approved
• ActprofessionallywhenrepresentingVodafone,particularlywhenwearingaVodafoneuniform,usingoneofourvehiclesorattendingeventson ourbehalf
• MakenostatementsthatcouldhaveanegativeimpactonVodafone’sreputation or brand
• Makenopersonalcommentsthatcouldbeinterpreted,evenmistakenly,as acommentorendorsementmade byVodafone
• Keepconfidentialinformationconfidential
• Releasenofinancialinformationorinformationaboutnewproductsorserviceswithoutapproval–leaked,incorrectormisleadingmessages canseriouslyaffectthesuccessof aproductorservice
Q: There are a lot of guidelines to follow when using social media, can you summarise them please?A:Asageneralguideline;‘Beyourself’,‘Usecommonsense’and‘Respectthelaw’.
“Wewanttoempowerallofouremployeestobegoodambassadorsforourbrand.”
Preferred contact: – Local Internal Communication team –LocalExternal Communication team
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Customers
Our Privacy CommitmentsPrivacyiscentraltoearningandsustainingtrustinVodafone,andbeingaresponsibleandethicalcorporatecitizen.
Wealwaysconsidertheimpactourdecisionshaveontheprivacyofourcustomersandemployees.Wheneverwedesignproducts,launchcampaigns,signupvendors,collectinformationandsharesuchinformationwithourpartnersandothers,weobserveandadheretoVodafone’sPrivacyCommitments,whichareasfollows:
BalanceWhenwearerequiredtobalancetherighttoprivacyagainstotherobligationsnecessarytoafreeandsecuresociety,weworktominimiseprivacyimpacts.
Laws and standards
Wecomplywithprivacylaws,andwewillworkwithgovernments,regulators,policymakersandopinionformersforbetterandmoremeaningfulprivacylawsandstandards.
AccountabilityWeareaccountableforlivinguptotheseprinciplesthroughoutourcorporatefamily,includingwhenworkingwithourpartnersandsuppliers.
RespectWevalueprivacybecauseofitsvaluetopeople.It’saboutmorethanlegalcompliance–it’saboutbuildingaculturethatrespectsprivacyandjustifiesthetrustplacedinus.
Openness and honestyWecommunicateclearlyaboutactionswetakethatmayimpactprivacy,weensureouractionsreflectourwords,andweareopentofeedbackaboutouractions.
ChoiceWegivepeopletheabilitytomakesimpleandmeaningfulchoicesabouttheirprivacy.
Privacy by designRespectforprivacyisakeycomponentinthedesign,developmentanddeliveryofourproductsandservices.
“PrivacyiscentraltoearningandsustainingtrustinVodafone.”
What does this mean for me?WemustallliveuptotheVodafonePrivacyCommitments.Dependingonyourrole,somecommitmentsmaybeparticularlyimportantforyou.Forexample:
•Ifyouareinvolvedinmarketing,basestationmanagementorbusinessdevelopment,lookat:Openness&HonestyandChoice
• If you are involved in product development,R&Dortechnologyandengineering,lookat:Openness&Honesty,ChoiceandPrivacybyDesign
•Ifyourroleinvolvesworkingwithgovernments,regulators,policymakersandlawenforcement,lookat:BalanceandLaws&StandardsEveryoneshouldpayparticularattentiontothefirstandlastofourcommitments;RespectandAccountability.TheyareespeciallyrelevanttoCEOsandGroupFunctionheads,whoareresponsibleformakingsureVodafoneisruninaccordancewithourPrivacyCommitments.
Your local Privacy OfficerYourPrivacyOfficerscanhelpyouunderstandhowtoapplyourPrivacyCommitments.Theycanexplain:
•WhatthePrivacyCommitmentsmeanfor you and your team
•Particularprocessesandguidelinesyouneed to follow
•HowtogettrainingandwheretofindothersupportmaterialsYoucanbecomean advocate for privacy by joining our PrivacyCommunity.
Q: I’m working on a project involving a use of customer information that is not covered by law. Do I still have to think about privacy?A: Yes.Ourfirstcommitmentistorespectcustomers’privacy.Regardlessofwhetherthereisalawornot,everythingwedoshouldbeconsistentwithourPrivacyCommitments.
Q: I’ve been contacted by the law enforcement authorities in my country with a request for access to personal information. What do I do?A:Whilewemayberequiredbylawtorespondto a Government or law enforcementrequestforinformation,thereareotherrequirementstoconsider.Makesureyou’refamiliarwiththeneedtobalanceourlegalobligationstorespondandsupportlawenforcement,withrespectforourcustomers’humanrightsanddueprocess.More information can be found in our Privacy and Law EnforcementPolicyStandard.
Q: I’m building a Vodafone application that will use personal information. How do I make sure privacy is protected – can I simply add a privacy policy to the app?A:No.Ourprivacybydesigncommitmentmeanswemakesureprivacyisbuiltintoourapplicationsandservices,notjustaddedon.Formoreinformation take a look at our DesigningforPrivacyinMobileApplicationsguidelinesandotherguidanceonproductdevelopmentinthePrivacyMatterslibrary,ontheintranet.
Preferred contact: –LocalPrivacyOfficer
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Employees
Diversity and inclusionWepursueequalityofopportunityandinclusionforallemployeesthroughouremploymentpoliciesandpractices.
Weaimtocreateaninclusiveenvironmentwhereeveryonefeelsrespectedandvaluedandwherewecantrulydeliverourpromise-‘weareatourbest,whenyouareatyours’.
Werecogniseandcelebratetheimportanceofdiversityinourworkspacessoweareasdiverseasthecustomersweserve.Wewillnottolerateanyformofdiscriminationespeciallyrelatedtobutnotexclusivetoage,gender,disability,sexualorientation,culturalbackgroundorbelief.Webaserelationshipswithandbetweenemployeesonrespectforindividualsandtheirhumanrights,andwillnottolerateanyformofchildlabour.
Wemustallchallengediscriminatorybehaviourwhenweseeit.Wewanteveryonetofeelabletoraiseanyconcerns.Inthefirstinstance,pleasespeaktotheindividualsconcernedbeforeconsultingyourlocalHRteamorgoingthroughtheSpeakUpprocess.
What does this mean for me?Weexpectyouto:
• ComplywithVodafone’sBusinessPrinciplesandPolicyStandards
• Actfairlyandshowrespecttowardsothersinallyourdealings
• Understandyourresponsibilitiesunderlocal law
• Challengediscriminatorybehaviour
• RaiseanyconcernsthroughyourlocalHRteamortheSpeakUpprocess
• Baseanyemploymentdecisionyoumake purely on merit
Q: A colleague is recruiting a new team member. I am concerned that they may be discriminating against certain candidates. Should I challenge them?A:Youarerighttoraiseyourconcernaswewillnottolerateanyformofdiscrimination.UrgeyourcolleaguetodiscusstheselectioncriteriawiththeirlocalHRteam.IfthereisnochangethenyoushouldraisetheissueswithyourlinemanagerorlocalHRteam.
“Wewillnotaccept any form ofdiscrimination,harassmentorbullying.”
Preventing harassment and bullyingVodafonewillnottolerateharassment orbullying.
Harassmentandbullyingcantakemanyformsandhaveseriousrepercussions.Weareallresponsibleforensuringthattheydon’thappenatVodafone.
Wemayinstigatedisciplinaryorlegalactionagainstpeoplewhoharassorbullyothers.Wewilltreateachotherrespectfullyandchallengeanyunfairbehaviour.Guidanceisavailableinyourlocal HRpolicies.
What does this mean for me?Weexpectyouto:
• Buildtrustinyourteamsbytreatingeveryonewithrespect
• MakesureallyourcommunicationabidesbythisCode,nomatterhowinformal you are being
• Neverbederogatoryorabusivetooraboutyourcolleagues
• SpeakUpifyouthinkacolleagueisbeingharassedorbullied.
“Weaimtocreateaninclusiveenvironmentwhereeveryonefeelsrespectedandvaluedandwherewecantrulydeliverourpromise-weareatourbest,whenyouareatyours.”
Q: I can see that one of my colleagues is being picked on constantly by other team members. I want to raise this but I am concerned that it might be my turn next. What should I do?A:Youshouldalwayschallengeinappropriateorunacceptablebehaviour.Speak to your line manager oryourlocalHRteam.Ifyoudo not feel comfortable doing thisthenusetheSpeakUpreportingline.
Preferred contact: – Local HR team
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Drugs and alcoholAnyuse,saleordistributionofillegalsubstanceswillbetreatedextremelyseriously.PleasesupportyourcolleaguesbyreportinganybreachesofthisCodetoyourlocalHRteam.Wewillprovidesupporttothoseaffectedbyproblemswithalcoholordrugs.
What does this mean for me?Weexpectyouto:
•Neverworkundertheinfluenceofillegaldrugsoralcohol
•Reportanyconcernsyouhaveabout acolleague’suseofalcoholordrugs to your local HR team
•Familiariseyourselfwithlocallaws,culturesandcustomswhentravelling.
“Wewillnottolerateanyonebeingundertheinfluenceofalcoholorillegaldrugsintheworkplace.”
Q: My colleague regularly arrives at work appearing to be under the influence of alcohol. I know he is having difficulties at home. What should I do?A:Itisimportantthatyoudiscusstheissuewithyourlinemanager.Theuseofalcoholislikelytobeaffectinghiswellbeingandthequalityofhiswork.Itislikelythatyourcolleagueneedshelpandsupportindealingwithhisdifficulties.
Weaimtodeliverproductsandservicesthatcantransformpeople’slivesandcontributetomoresustainablelivingbyempoweringindividuals,contributingtowiderdevelopmentgoalsandreducingenvironmentalimpacts.
Todothis,wemustoperateresponsiblywhereverwedobusinesstomaintainthetrustofsociety.
Local communitiesThroughbeingopenandhonest,respectinglocalculturesandtraditions, weaimtogainthetrustandsupportof ourlocalcommunities.
Wealwayslistentotheconcernslocalcommunitieshave,forexampleinrelationtonetworkdeployment,andseektoanswerthequestionstheyraise.Wewillbeinclusiveandwillalwaysdoourbesttomakesurethateveryoneisheard.
Communities and society
“Wewillengagewithlocalcommunities tohelpusunderstandandrespondtoanyconcernsthey mayhave.”
Charitable supportTheVodafoneFoundationprovidessupportandsponsorshiptomanycommunitiesinwhichwework.
Werespectallinternationallyproclaimedhumanrights,includingtheInternationalBillofHumanRightsandtheprinciplesconcerningfundamentalrightssetoutintheInternationalLabourOrganization´sDeclarationonFundamentalPrinciplesandRightsatWork.Westrivetoensurethatwearenotcomplicitinhumanrightsabuses.Weshall,inallcontexts,seekwaystohonourtheprinciplesofinternationallyrecognizedhumanrights,evenwhenfacedwithconflictingrequirements.WearealsocommittedtoimplementingtheUnitedNationsGuidingPrinciplesonBusinessandHumanRightsthroughoutourbusinessoperations.
Q: My team wants to raise money for a local charity, are there any restrictions on who to donate to?A:Therearenorestrictionsongivingpersonaldonations.AnydonationsmadeonbehalfofVodafoneshouldalwaysbemadethroughtheVodafoneFoundation.
Q: I thought human rights were the government’s responsibility? Why do I have to worry about them?A:Whilegovernmentshavethesoledutytoprotectthehumanrightsoftheircitizens,itisgloballyacceptedthatcompanieshavearesponsibilitytorespecthumanrights.Vodafoneworkstoensurewedonotinfringeonhumanrightswherever weoperate.
What does this mean for me?Weexpectyouto:
•Besensitivetoyourlocalcommunitiesneeds–listenandrespondtotheconcernspeoplehaveaboutVodafone’soperations
• Get involved in your local community via theVodafoneFoundation.
Preferred contact: –VodafoneFoundation
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Environment
Whereverpossible,wereduceouruseofresourcesandcutanyharmfulemissionsforwhichweareresponsible.Wereuseandrecycletelecommunicationequipment andwaste.
Wecomplywithrelevantenvironmentallegislationandinternationalstandards.Incountrieswhereenvironmentallegislationisnotevidentorenforced,wewillensurethatresponsiblepracticesformanagingenvironmentalimpactsareinplace.
Weworkwithcustomers,suppliersandcontractorstodevelopproductsandservicesandworkingpracticestominimisetheimpactontheenvironment.Wewillmaintainstakeholderconfidencebybeingopenandresponsivetotheconcernsofcustomers,regulatorsandthelocalcommunitiesinwhichweoperate.
What does this mean for me?Weexpectyouto:
• Familiariseyourselfwithrelevantenvironmentallaws,regulations andpolicies
• Reduceyourwastewhereverpossible
• Userecyclingfacilitieswhereverpossible
• Avoidunnecessarytravel–useconferencecallfacilitiesorvideoconferencingwherepossible
• Walkorusepublictransportwhereyoucan.Considercar-sharingwithacolleague if you need a car
• Alwaysconsidertheenvironmentwhenmakingpurchasingdecisions
“Wearecommittedtoprotectingtheenvironment.”
Q: What is an arrangement? (p17)A:Typicalexamplesinclude:
•Sharinginformationsuchasprices,costsorsalesvolumeswithcompetitors.
•Agreeingwithcompetitorstofixthepriceofproductsorservices,includingdiscounts,rebatesandcommissions.
• Agreeingwithcompetitorsnottocompeteforcertainaccountsorregions,oragreeingmarketshares.
• Agreeingwithresellerstofixtheminimumresalepriceofproducts orservices.
Q: What is inside information? (p18)A:Informationthat:
• Isprecise
• Hasnotbeenmadepublic
• RelatestoVodafone
• Ifmadepublic,wouldbelikelytohaveasignificanteffectonthepriceofVodafonesecurities.
Q: What is a bribe? (p19)A: Abribeinvolvesthegivingorreceivingofcash,oranythingelseofvalue,inordertogetsomeonetoact‘improperly’(usuallyresultinginanunfairpersonalgain).Nothingofvalueneedstochangehands,justtheofferorpromiseisenoughtobreakthelaw.
Q : What is a ‘Public Official’? (p15)A:Anindividualwhoholdsalegislative,administrativeorjudicialpositionorexercisesapublicfunctionforanypublicagencyorpublicenterprise,includingstate-ownedmediaandregulatorybodies.
Q: What are ‘facilitation payments’ and ‘kickbacks’? (p19)
A:Afacilitationpaymentisusuallyasmall,unofficialcashpaymentmadetospeedupa routine government action, for example paying$10toanofficialtospeedupavisaapplication.Akickbackisapaymentmadeto an individual in return for a referral, transactionorcontractwithanotherparty.
Q: What does ‘reasonable and proportionate’ mean? (p15)A:Asageneralruleitcoverslow-value,Vodafonebrandeditemsinconnectionwithpromoting,demonstratingorexplainingourproductsandservices.Itcanalsocoversomehospitalitywhichisdoneforaclearbusinesspurpose,forexampleinvitingagroupofprospectiveclientstoanevent,andwhichisnot‘lavish’or‘overthetop’.
Q : What is a ‘significant’ gift or benefit? (p14)A:SomethingofvalueoutsideofthemonetarylimitsoutlinedintheGroupPolicyStandard.Alternatively,itmaybesomethingwhichisvaluabletotheindividualwhichmaygivetheimpressionthatitisenoughtoinfluencea businessdecision.
Q: What is a ‘close’ relationship? (p15)A: A‘close’relationshipwouldincludeamemberofthefamily,partnerorclosefriendorbusinessacquaintance.
Q: What is ‘sensitive information’? (p12)A:Sensitiveinformationcanincludelegalagreements,technicalspecificationsor anyotherinformationwhichisunlikelytobepubliclyknownandmayhavecommercialvalue.
Q: What do we mean by ‘discrimination’? (p31)A:Forthesepurposes,’discrimination‘includeslessfavourabletreatmentbasedongender,age,disability,sexuality,religiousbelieforethnicorigin.
Q: What do we mean by ‘harassment and bullying’? (p32)A:Wedefineharassmentandbullyingasunwantedbehaviourfromanotherpersonwhichisintimidating,malicious,offensive,insulting,humiliatingordegrading.Itmaybe related but not limited to age, gender, sexualorientation,race,disability,religionorbelief,andcanbeeitherarepeated oraone-offincident.Itcanbeverbal, non-verbal,physicalandisn’talways face-to-face.
Key definitions used in this Code
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