Unilever 2001 Annual Report Download - page 9

Unilever Annual Report & Accounts and Form 20-F 2001
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Standard of Conduct
We conduct our operations with honesty, integrity and
openness, and with respect for the human rights and interests
of our employees. We shall similarly respect the legitimate
interests of those with whom we have relationships.
Obeying the Law
Unilever companies and our employees are required to
comply with the laws and regulations of the countries in
which we operate.
Employees
Unilever is committed to diversity in a working environment
where there is mutual trust and respect and where everyone
feels responsible for the performance and reputation of
our company.
We will recruit, employ and promote employees on the sole
basis of the qualifications and abilities needed for the work
to be performed. We are committed to safe and healthy
working conditions for all employees. We will not use
any form of forced, compulsory or child labour. We are
committed to working with employees to develop and
enhance each individual’s skills and capabilities. We respect
the dignity of the individual and the right of employees
to freedom of association. We will maintain good
communications with employees through company-
based information and consultation procedures.
Consumers
Unilever is committed to providing branded products and
services which consistently offer value in terms of price and
quality, and which are safe for their intended use. Products
and services will be accurately and properly labelled,
advertised and communicated.
Shareholders
Unilever will conduct its operations in accordance with
internationally accepted principles of good corporate
governance. We will provide timely, regular and reliable
information on our activities, structure, financial situation
and performance to all shareholders.
Business Partners
Unilever is committed to establishing mutually beneficial
relations with our suppliers, customers and business partners.
In our business dealings we expect our business partners to
adhere to business principles consistent with our own.
Community Involvement
Unilever strives to be a trusted corporate citizen and, as an
integral part of society, to fulfil our responsibilities to the
societies and communities in which we operate.
Public Activities
Unilever companies are encouraged to promote and defend
their legitimate business interests. Unilever will co-operate
with governments and other organisations, both directly and
through bodies such as trade associations, in the development
of proposed legislation and other regulations which may
affect legitimate business interests. Unilever neither supports
political parties nor contributes to the funds of groups
whose activities are calculated to promote party interests.
The Environment
Unilever is committed to making continuous improvements
in the management of our environmental impact and to the
longer-term goal of developing a sustainable business.
Unilever will work in partnership with others to promote
environmental care, increase understanding of environmental
issues and disseminate good practice.
Innovation
In our scientific innovation to meet consumer needs we
will respect the concerns of our consumers and of society.
We will work on the basis of sound science applying rigorous
standards of product safety.
Competition
Unilever believes in vigorous yet fair competition and supports
the development of appropriate competition laws. Unilever
companies and employees will conduct their operations in
accordance with the principles of fair competition and all
applicable regulations.
Business Integrity
Unilever does not give or receive whether directly or indirectly
bribes or other improper advantages for business or financial
gain. No employee may offer, give or receive any gift or
payment which is, or may be construed as being, a bribe.
Any demand for, or offer of, a bribe must be rejected
immediately and reported to management.
Unilever accounting records and supporting documents must
accurately describe and reflect the nature of the underlying
transactions. No undisclosed or unrecorded account, fund
or asset will be established or maintained.
Conflicts of Interests
All Unilever employees are expected to avoid personal
activities and financial interests which could conflict with
their responsibilities to the Company. Unilever employees
must not seek gain for themselves or others through
misuse of their positions.
Compliance – Monitoring – Reporting
Compliance with these principles is an essential element
in our business success. The Unilever Boards are responsible
for ensuring these principles are communicated to, and
understood and observed by, all employees.
Day-to-day responsibility is delegated to the senior
management of the regions and operating companies. They
are responsible for implementing these principles, if necessary
through more detailed guidance tailored to local needs.
Assurance of compliance is given and monitored each year.
Compliance with the Code is subject to review by the Boards
supported by the Audit Committee of the Boards and the
Corporate Risk Committee.
Any breaches of the Code must be reported in accordance
with the procedures specified by the Joint Secretaries.
The Boards of Unilever will not criticise management for any
loss of business resulting from adherence to these principles
and other mandatory policies and instructions.
The Boards of Unilever expect employees to bring to their
attention, or to that of senior management, any breach or
suspected breach of these principles.
Provision has been made for employees to be able to report
in confidence and no employee will suffer as a consequence
of doing so.
OUR CODE OF BUSINESS PRINCIPLES