Why a Code of Conduct? 

ADPO is an ambitious company that continuously works to improve. The ADPO Group currently comprises more than 300 employees across 3 business units.

Our values
It is important that all employees live by our values so that ADPO is recognised for what it stands for: a reliable, honest and professional partner. This Code of Conduct sets out the conditions that serve as guidelines for our dealings with colleagues, customers, suppliers and society. 

It is important that all employees live by our values so that ADPO is recognised for what it stands for: a reliable, honest and professional partner. This Code of Conduct sets out the conditions that serve as guidelines for our dealings with colleagues, customers, suppliers and society.

These guidelines are not exhaustive but set out the most essential principles. There will always be situations that cannot be anticipated, and changes in current circumstances or in legislation and regulations may require us to amend the Code of Conduct.

This Code of Conduct contributes to the responsible and sustainable development of ADPO pursued in the company’s long-term strategy.

If you have any questions about the interpretation or application of the Code of Conduct, please speak to your manager or another manager. The HR department and/or the confidential adviser can also help you.

How can I raise a concern? 

The first and most appropriate person to whom you can report a concern about compliance with the rules of conduct is your head of department or direct manager.

It is part of their role to listen to employees, listen to and understand their questions, and take the appropriate action on that basis.

If you would prefer not to approach your manager directly, you can also contact a member of the HR department or the confidential adviser.

Every employee can be assured that their report will be treated confidentially in accordance with the guidelines also set out in ADPO’s Whistleblowing Policy.

Compliance with our values, standards and rules is very important to us. We encourage employees to stand up for what is right and to speak up if they suspect that something is wrong. It goes without saying that no retaliatory measures will be taken against a colleague who reports a concern.             

Our company

Laws and societal standards
We conduct our activities in a socially responsible manner. This means that, at a minimum, we comply with the laws and regulations of the countries in which we operate. It also means that we respect local traditions and other societal standards.

Equal treatment
Discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, belief, religion, age, disability or any other protected status is not tolerated. Harassment and bullying of employees by others, such as managers, colleagues, suppliers or customers, are also not accepted.

Customers
We provide high-quality services and carefully developed service solutions to our customers. We ensure that their requirements and expectations are met and we are prepared for developments in the market. Our services always comply with legal requirements and are supported by, among other things, safety data sheets, hazard classifications, instructions for use, certifications and labels.

Our employees adopt a customer-focused approach in every possible way. Managers are expected to manage and steer compliance with services and processes and to make all necessary resources available.

Suppliers
We do business with suppliers who share our values of integrity, honesty, sustainability, responsible ethical principles and compliance with laws and regulations. Our suppliers are committed and have all signed our “Charter for Integrated Suppliers”.

Protection of personal data
We have organised our company to comply with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). We limit the collection of personal data to information that is either essential for the delivery of products and services or provided with the customer’s approval. We will only obtain data by lawful and fair means and will protect personal data through appropriate security measures.

Child labour
In the countries in which we operate, we comply with the statutory minimum age requirements. In addition, we follow the relevant ILO conventions, which ensure that people under the age of 18 are only employed if they are fully protected against possible exploitation, protected against health hazards and permitted to continue their education.

Forced labour and human trafficking
We do not use forced labour, human trafficking or modern slavery in the performance of our services or in the supply chain. Accordingly, we require our suppliers to commit to respecting these fundamental human rights.

Bribery and corruption
We expect ethical conduct from our employees and from those with whom we do business. This means that we operate a zero-tolerance policy towards bribery and corruption. Accordingly, neither ADPO nor our partners may ever offer, give or accept bribes and/or other benefits in order to obtain a business advantage.

Communication
We are committed to timely, transparent and factual communication. We make every effort to prevent our customers from being misled by incorrect or incomplete information. To maintain accuracy and consistency in public communications, only designated company spokespersons may make public statements about the company.

Our Employees

Fraud and unlawful conduct
Fraud and unlawful conduct are not tolerated. Fraud means the deliberate embezzlement, falsification, omission or deletion of data, funds and/or goods, causing resources or assets to be diverted from or to the organisation. Unlawful conduct means deliberately providing incorrect and/or incomplete and/or unclear information that may cause financial information and/or decision-making to be misrepresented or improperly influenced.

Conflicts of interest
We must avoid circumstances that create, or appear to create, an improper personal advantage through the use of company property, information or one’s position within the company. When making business decisions, we are always guided by objective criteria and the interests of our company.

Gifts
It is not permitted to give to or receive from a business partner personal gifts or favours of value. A gift or favour of any material value may influence decision-making, create the appearance of a conflict of interest and lead to reputational damage. If in doubt, contact your manager.

Protection of company property and information
Within their area of work, all employees share responsibility for protecting ADPO’s tangible and intangible company assets. Tangible company assets include physical property such as office materials, installations, inventories, vehicles, computers and software, etc. Intangible company assets include information assets such as confidential information about ADPO or information that is expressly subject to confidentiality.

Social media code of conduct
We encourage the use of social media for business purposes. To ensure that no statements are made that could harm the company, guidelines have been drawn up for the use of social media.

Media
Contacts with the media relating to ADPO’s business operations are reserved exclusively for the Management Board or those appointed by the Management Board for this purpose.

Safety, health and the environment

Healthy working environment
We always provide a safe and healthy workplace for all our employees. In doing so, we comply with the applicable regulations on working conditions, including employee health and safety, hygiene and sanitary facilities, fire safety, risk protection, and electrical, mechanical and structural safety. We use a structured health and safety management system. Employees are expected to carry out their duties safely and in accordance with the guidelines at all times.

Policy on inappropriate conduct
ADPO aims to protect its employees from undesirable interpersonal conduct and inappropriate behaviour. A policy has been drawn up for this purpose and is accessible to all employees, including details of the confidential advisers.

Alcohol, medication and drug use
We refer to the ADPO employment regulations, which set out the policy on alcohol, drugs and medication. With regard to the use of alcohol and drugs, please also refer to our alcohol and drugs policy.

Respect for the environment
We aim to minimise our impact on the environment and continuously look for ways to make this possible. By using natural resources more efficiently, we can all live healthier lives, save money and respect the limits of our planet.

Corporate social responsibility
At the locations where ADPO operates, we provide the community with financial and social benefits in the form of employment, direct and indirect economic stimulus through our business activities, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Through our social projects, we use the expertise of our employees and our products to support projects run by volunteer organisations and/or associations.