Sustainability report 2019
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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, financial 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, as well as contracts with directors. Boskalis employees are provided with targeted training on the anti-bribery and anti- corruption policy and are monitored with regard to regulations and legislation concerning bribery and corruption. Furthermore the principles that no bribes or other favors shall be offered, paid, requested or accepted for the purpose of acquiring or bestowing any improper business, financial 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 specifically includes the principles from the General Code of Business Conduct as described above. Local
contacts may be maintained by an agent, who also assists in the efficient 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 We have adopted tax principles that illustrate good corporate practice in the area of tax management and tax transparency. Endorsed by the Board of Management, our tax principles balance the interests of our various stakeholders, including clients, investors and the governments and communities in the countries in which we operate. Our tax principles are: Compliance: Boskalis always acts 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 ‘artificial’ structures in tax haven jurisdictions. Relationship with tax authorities: Boskalis seeks to develop strong, mutually respectful relationships with tax authorities.
SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2019 – BOSKALIS
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