Ethics Policy

 
This policy has been created to provide a framework and guidance for Quentor’s approach to achieving and maintaining good business behaviour by means of sound ethical conduct. It serves to ensure that all employees are aware of their individual and collective responsibilities with regards to the Company’s ethics, and to emphasise our employees’, Customers’, Suppliers and other stakeholders’ right to being treated fairly and in accordance with good business practises.
 
The purpose of this ethics policy is to maintain a culture of openness, trust and integrity in the Company’s business practises. Effective ethics is a ‘team effort’ involving the participation and support of every Quentor employee.
 
We are committed to protecting employees and business partners from illegal or damaging actions by individuals, either knowingly or unknowingly. When we address issues we do so proactively and using sound judgement. This will help to set the Company apart from its competitors and help further enhance our reputation.
 
We will not tolerate any wrongdoing or impropriety at any time. We will take the appropriate measures and act quickly where the ‘ethical code’ is broken.
This policy applies to all employees, contractors, consultants and part time employees of Quentor.
 

Quentor’s Shareholders’, Owners’ and Directors’ commitment to Ethics:

• That integrity is one of the Company’s core values
• To set and lead by example. In any business practise, honesty and integrity are of the highest importance
• To have an open door policy and welcome suggestions and concerns from all employees
• To create an environment that will allow employees to feel comfortable discussing any issues and will serve to alert Shareholders, Owners and Directors to concerns within the Company

 

Management and Employee’s commitment to Ethics:

• To disclose any conflicts of interests regarding their position with the Company
• To engage in carrying out the Company’s mission in a professional manner and in line with the core values of the Company which includes integrity
• To recognise that the main function of the Company is at all times to serve the best interests of its current and future Customers, and to do this with respect, concern, courtesy and responsiveness
• To treat everyone fairly, have mutual respect, promote a team environment and avoid the intent and appearance of unethical or compromising practises
• To treat all persons with respect and consideration, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, maternity, marital or family status, disability, age or national origin
• To respect the structure and responsibilities of management, provide them with facts and advice as a basis for decision and policy making, and uphold and implement decisions and policies adopted by management
• To demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness and honesty in all activities in order to inspire confidence and trust in such activities, both internally and externally
• To strive for personal and professional excellence, encourage the professional development of others and keep up to date on emerging issues affecting the Company
• To conduct themselves at all times with professional competence, fairness and impartiality

Company’s commitment to Ethics:

• To hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public in the performance of the Company’s professional duties
• To keep the local communities informed about issues which may affect them
• To collaborate with, and support, partners in carrying out the Company’s mission and in line with the Company’s ethics policy
• To build professional reputations on the merit of our capabilities and refrain from competing unfairly with others
• Not to engage in any business practise or process or with any entity, including potential Customers, that does not match the Company’s ethical standards

 

In relation to Customers, Suppliers and Competitors:

• Aspire to excellence in the goods and services of the Company in such a way that clients and consumers obtain the satisfaction expected therefrom
• Guarantee the products and services of the Company and deal quickly and efficiently with consumer and user claims, with a view to achieving satisfaction beyond mere compliance with prevailing legislation
• Maintain ethical and licit relationships with Suppliers of goods and services
• Search for and select only Suppliers whose business practices respect human dignity, are not in breach of law and do not place the Company’s reputation in danger
• Select Suppliers on the basis of the appropriateness of their products or services, as well as of their prices, delivery conditions and quality, not accepting or offering gifts or commissions, in cash or in kind, which could alter the rules of free competition in the production and distribution of goods and services
• Not abuse a dominant or privileged market position
• Compete in good faith with other companies cooperating to achieve a free market based on mutual respect between competitors and abstaining from engaging in unfair practices
• In particular, not take clients from other competitors employing unethical methods

 

In relation to Employees of Quentor:

• Treat employees with dignity, respect and justice, taking into consideration their different cultural sensitivities
• Not discriminate against employees on the grounds of race, religion, age, nationality, sex or any other personal or social condition different from the conditions of merit and capacity
• Not permit any form of violence, harassment or abuse at the workplace
• Recognise the right of association to a works committee or union membership and collective negotiation
• Promote the professional development, training and promotion of employees
• Link remuneration and the promotion of employees to their conditions of merit and capacity
• Establish and communicate clear criteria and rules which maintain a balance between the rights of the Company and those of employees in hiring processes and in the separation thereof, even in the case of a voluntary change in employment status
• Guarantee health and safety on the job, taking any such measures as are considered reasonable to maximise prevention of occupational risk
• Look to reconcile work at the Company with the personal and family life of employees
• Look to achieve the occupational integration of persons with incapacities or handicaps, working to eliminate barriers of all kinds
• Facilitate the participation of employees in the social action programmes of the Company

 

Governance and Review

Should an employee be in any doubt about a relevant course of action, require clarification on a particular issue, or want to report a potential breach of Quentor’s ethical code, they should report directly to the General Manager or independently to a Company Director. The topic/issue will then be dealt with as quickly and efficiently as possible, and by the Managing Director if appropriate.
 
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure that it remains relevant, both internally with all employees and externally regarding changing social and moral attitudes and business best practise.