INCREASED AWARENESS OF BUSINESS ETHICS

• Many of XANO’s employees have undertaken online training in respect of anticorruption. A code of conduct for suppliers has also been taken into use.
  Awareness and expertise in the Group’s companies regarding business ethics has consequently increased.
         A code of conduct for all employees was introduced several years ago. The code, which follows the rules of the Swedish Anti-Corruption Institute, is part of the employment contract and contains guidelines for good business ethics and internal working methods.
         All the employees who are part of a management team, as well as those who have a financial responsibility, must undergo online training in respect of anti-corruption.
         “The training has been greatly appreciated,” says Marie Ek Jonson, CFO. “It is good to be reminded about these important issues and to be notified about how we can prevent fraud in our business.”
         Good business ethics should be a matterof course in all companies, and the code of conduct is also part of the introduction in conjunction with acquisitions. Another preventive measure is the review of the companies’ payment procedures, which is carried out regularly within the framework of internal control. In addition to guidelines and procedures, it is also important for the Group management to demonstrate transparency and to be visible at company sites.

• “Within XANO, we are endeavouring to achieve open, positive relations between those of us in senior roles and the subsidiaries. Both the Group management and the relevant business unit manager often take the time to visit our operations in order to meet employees in various positions,” points out Marie. “During these meetings, there are many opportunities for dialogue regarding any problems and how they can be dealt with.”
         XANO has also introduced a code of conduct for suppliers that includes a clause about anti-corruption. The aim is for the code to be part of all supplier agreements.
         “In order to maintain awareness in future, it will be important to have continued open dialogue and to raise issues relating to business ethics regularly at management team meetings, as well as in other situations where we consider it to be necessary. It is also our aim for all employees, both in senior positions and those with some form of contact with customers or suppliers, to undergo anti-corruption training. The suppliers’ compliance with the code of conduct also needs to be followed up and guaranteed,” concludes Marie.