Unilever 2002 Annual Report Download - page 11

Unilever Annual Report & Accounts and Form 20-F 2002
8Our code of business principles
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 Board is 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 Board
supported by the Audit Committee of the Board and the
Corporate Risk Committee.
Any breaches of the Code must be reported in accordance
with the procedures specified by the Joint Secretaries.
The Board of Unilever will not criticise management for any
loss of business resulting from adherence to these principles
and other mandatory policies and instructions.
The Board of Unilever expects 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.