The Group’s Code of Conduct helps bring SCA’s values to life and ensures that the company’s actions are aligned with universal standards of good business practice.
In place since 2004, the Code of Conduct is inspired by SCA’s core values of respect, excellence and responsibility. Aligned with universal standards of business conduct as defined by the UN Declaration of Human Rights, ILO Core Conventions and OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, the Code serves as a compass on individual and collective behaviour when employees are making business decisions or are faced with ethical dilemmas. The Code provides guidelines for SCA and its employees regarding health and safety, human rights, business ethics, employee relations and community involvement.
SCA’s supplier network is becoming increasingly complex and global. To confront that challenge, Group-wide sourcing procedures seek to ensure that SCA’s products are manufactured with respect for people and nature. SCA’s supplier standard, for example, drives shared values and priorities through its supply chain.
The complexity and global span of SCA’s business makes it even more crucial that all its interactions and relationships are managed responsibly to create a positive impact on society.
- We will maintain compliance with the SCA Code of Conduct. All our employees will be regularly trained.
- Our SCA supplier standard has been developed with suppliers to drive shared values and priorities through our supply chain. We will use it in all supply chain contracts by 2015.
The effect
We want to ensure that our own and our supplier’s operations comply with our Code of Conduct in respect of health and safety, working condition, child labour and respect for human rights.
Our Code of Conduct assessments are one way of ensuring compliance. In 2011, assessments were conducted in Malaysia and Russia, both of which indicated alignment with SCA’s Code of Conduct.
Reporting non-compliance
Sometimes, training, education and audits are not enough. It is also important to have the systems in place to report situations of possible noncompliance. All employees are encouraged to contact their managers, HR and legal departments or, if relevant, their union representative, if they wish to report a situation of potential violations. Additionally, an intranet grievance procedure form, which can be submitted confidentially is available online and in Asia, a third party-operated Code of Conduct helpline is also in place.
Violations
In 2011, a total of 27 cases (eight) of violation of the Code of Conduct were reported. Six were cases of business practice and corruption; eight of discrimination; and the remaining 13 ranging from internet misuse to a breach of SCA values. In all cases, disciplinary actions were taken or the employment of staff members involved was terminated.