Ethics and Anti-corruption

During the year, 25 whistles were received related to allegations of fraud/corruption, data protection, health and safety and more HR related matters. In 22 of the whistles, the reported issues have been concluded with appropriate action taken.  At the end of 2020, three of the whistles received were pending a conclusion.

The Covid-19 situation has been a challenge during 2020 for compliance activities that require travel and physical presence at our locations, such as investigations and audits.  Our scheduled internal business standards audits were postponed due to the situation, and a follow up of potential irregularities was conducted by providing guidance and instructions to local and regional resources. As in previous years, internal fraud cases have been detected, with one case reported to the police and currently being investigated. 

During the year, we also continued a project from 2019 to enhance the monitoring of facilitation payment challenges, with the goal to work towards elimination.

In 2021, we will continue building a whistleblowing culture and the business standards audits will be prioritised and commence as soon as the Covid-19 situation allows.  To continue competence building with our employees, a new business standards program will be rolled out in 2021.