Boskalis_Annual Report_2017

ANNUAL REPORT 2017 – BOSKALIS 51

Each year, we conduct an implementation scan at a cross section at approximately 10% of our strategic suppliers. Suppliers that do not meet our standards are given the chance to improve under our supervision. In the absence of suffcient progress, we will eventually terminate our relationship with these suppliers. More details of this risk matrix assessment and the results over the past years is described in detail in our CSR report, which also includes the related non-performance indicators on amongst others human rights. ANTI-BRIBERY AND ANTI-CORRUPTION POLICY The Boskalis anti-bribery and anti-corruption policy is enshrined in the General Code of Business Conduct. The General Code of Business Conduct states that Boskalis shall not offer, pay, request or accept bribes or other favors for the purpose of acquiring or bestowing any improper business, fnancial or personal advantage. The General Code of Business Conduct forms part of the employment contracts of Boskalis staff, having been incorporated in the accompanying employee manual. Boskalis employees are provided with targeted information and are monitored with regard to regulations and legislation concerning bribery and corruption. Boskalis has a Whistleblower Policy in place that offers employees the possibility to report suspected misconduct within the company. This includes any subject of a general, fnancial or operational nature which is not in line with the General Code of Business Conduct. A confdential independent counselor has been appointed for the purposes of the Whistleblower Policy. The counselor shall take the reported suspected misconduct immediately into consideration and gain information in relation thereto. Based on this information the counselor shall decide which actions are appropriate and necessary, including a possible investigation on the reported misconduct. The employee who has in good faith reported the suspected misconduct to the counselor, in accordance with the Whistleblower Policy, shall not suffer any detriment as a consequence of this notifcation. The Whistleblower Policy was revised at the beginning of 2016 and can be found on the corporate website. Furthermore the principle that no bribes or other favors shall be offered, paid, requested or accepted for the purpose of acquiring or bestowing any improper business, fnancial or personal advantage has also been incorporated in the Supplier Code of Conduct, which is part of the contractual relationship between Boskalis and its suppliers. Suppliers are obliged to select their own suppliers in accordance with the Boskalis Supplier Code of Conduct. In many countries where Boskalis operates it is impossible to conduct activities without a local partner or sponsor. The guidelines for collaborating with such a partner are set out in

a contract, which also specifcally includes the principle from the General Code of Business Conduct as described above. Local contacts may be maintained by an agent, who also assists in the effcient setting up and execution of projects. Control of integrity risks and compliance with the procedures for concluding agent contracts are part of the internal audits. TAX PRINCIPLES Boskalis has adopted the following tax principles. We believe these principles illustrate good corporate practice in the area of tax management and tax transparency, balancing the interests of our various stakeholders, including clients, investors and the governments and communities in the countries in which we operate. COMPLIANCE We act at all times in accordance with applicable laws and are guided by relevant international standards, for example OECD Guidelines. Disclosures are made in accordance with the relevant domestic regulations, as well as applicable reporting requirements and standards such as IFRS. BUSINESS RATIONALE Tax follows the business, meaning that transactions must have a business rationale. Boskalis does not seek to avoid taxes through ‘artifcial’ structures in tax haven jurisdictions.

RELATIONSHIP WITH TAX AUTHORITIES Boskalis seeks to develop strong, mutually respectful relationships with tax authorities.