Code of Ethics

Preamble

The Code of Ethics (the "Code" hereinafter) sets out the basic standards of conduct of employees of company PPCG, a.s., with the address at: Semily Husova 4, Postcode 513 01, ID: 09245383, as well as of all the companies belonging to the PPCG, a.s. Group (hereinafter referred to as the "PPCG" or the "Employer"), irrespective of the place where work is performed. The individual companies within the PPCG, a.s. Group are obliged to adopt the Code and acquaint their employees with it.

The Code supports the standards set out in the economic competition, work conditions, occupational health and safety. Particularly corruption, bribery, violation of the fair competition rules, any form of discrimination or harassment are not tolerated within the PPCG Group. PPCG promotes ethical business practices, fair treatment of all employees, diversity and equal opportunities. PPCG aims to create a safe and healthy workplace for every PPCG employee and its employees perform their activities with regard to the living environment, seeking in particular protection and care of it.

The Code further supports the legality of the decision-making, equal approach to PPCG clients, employees within the PPCG Group, as well as relations with the institutions and companies that cooperate with PPCG. All employees respect the principles of the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms of the Czech Republic.

All employees shall get familiar with the Code, whilst they are expected to adopt the Code principles and follow them.

 

Article I.
General Provisions

  • The Code is an internal regulation of PPCG, a.s. issued upon its decision, and employees and other PPCG workers, as well as members of the PPCG boards and other persons acting as PPCG or employees, workers, members of statutory bodies or persons acting on behalf of the company that is member of PPCG, are obliged to follow it. The persons referred to in the preceding clause shall be referred to collectively as "Employees".
  • The Code is issued as a separate part of the PPCG, a.s. Conditions of Employment pursuant to § 306 of the Act No. 262/2006 Coll., Labour Code.
  • Failure to comply with the principles enunciated in the Code is incompatible with any profession, occupation or activity within PPCG.
  • The Employer has the right to change the content of the Code. The Employer is obliged to create such work conditions to enable Employees to fulfil the purpose of this Code.

 

Article II.
General Principles

  • The main task of all PPCG Group companies is to develop and maintain an economically sound and prosperous business. The PPCG Group accepts responsibility wherever its activities can be managed effectively. The PPCG Group bears responsibility in the areas where it operates, towards its employees and business partners.
  • The key principles of the PPCG Group's business are mostly:
    • adherence to high standards of ethics and morality
    • compliance with laws and regulations and other generally applicable laws in force in the countries where PPCG operates
    • openness towards all those who are affected by the PPCG business, especially responding to questions and requirements of third parties, timely and effective communication with the parties concerned
  • Within its sphere of influence, PPCG is trying to ensure that its contractors, subcontractors, representatives and partners in joint ventures, as well as other partners, abide in the implementation of projects with the PPCG principles set out in this Code.
  • Employees perform their work at a high professional level that they are obliged to constantly deepen and complement.
  • mployee observes the basic rules of decent behaviour and ordinary social contact. Employees take care of their looks and make sure that their clothes match the job and place of work, and that the workplace is always reasonably clean and tidy.
  • Wilful acts to the detriment of any person, whether a client, other co-workers or employees of any other authority or company that cooperate with PPCG is not permissible.
  • Employees fundamentally promotes the rights and legitimate interests of the Employer.
  • Employees behave so as not to give cause for theft or damage to the property of the Employer, clients, other co-workers and other authorities and companies that cooperate with PPCG.
  • PPCG IT procedures include monitoring and safety features that ensure an adequate level of protection of personal data of the customers.

 

Article III.
Ethical Principles in Relation to Competition

  • PPCG does not tolerate or support any of the activities that disrupt the market and constitute an obstacle to the economic, social and democratic development, especially does not tolerate corruption, bribery and unfair economic competition.
  • Employees shall not act contrary to the applicable laws and other generally binding legal regulations governing economic competition.
  • Employees shall not, directly or indirectly, offer or provide any payment or other remuneration to any persons or entities that would make or could make such person or entity act contrary to the prescribed duties in order to obtain, maintain or control a business opportunity, or secure any other inappropriate advantage in carrying out their work or, more precisely, business activities of the PPCG Group.
  • Employees shall not, directly or indirectly, solicit or accept any improper payments or other compensations they would be provided with with the intention of inducing PPCG or its employees to act in conflict with the responsibilities assigned. This issue is detailed in a specific internal regulation of the Employer's "Policy of Corporate Hospitality, Receiving and Giving Gifts."
  • PPCG trustily records all financial transactions and keeps books on them in accordance with the locally accepted accounting principles and the adopted generally binding legislation. Employees are required, with respect to their position and work, to proceed so that the data on the status of economic operations and assets held in the PPCG accounts were truthful and non-misleading, particularly to pass timely any PPCG accounting and tax documents, properly keep records of business trips in the books of trips, etc.

 

Article IV.
Ethical Principles in Relations Between Employer and Employees

Strong and solid relationship with all its employees based on mutual respect and dignity is of the key importance for the PPCG Group. Work conditions offered to employees must comply with at least the minimum requirements that are set out in the Labour Code.

  • PPCG provides a safe and healthy work environment and strives to improve it continuously.
  • PPCG provides equal opportunities to people without regard to the race, ethnicity, colour of the skin, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, age, or other distinctive characteristics. Employees are required to act in performing their work so as to avoid any form of discrimination or harassment of other employees, customers and others with whom they find themselves in contact in the course of their work.
  • PPCG does not employ any person whose age would be below 15 years or another higher minimum age set for employment by the local legislation.
  • At their workplaces, PPCG do not use forced or slave labour or other forms of involuntary labour. PPCG does not allow any practice that would restrict free movement of workers.
  • Critical comments on the operation and running of PPCG, or to your co-workers, customers or clients, shall be expressed by Employee fundamentally at a suitable place and in an appropriate manner, but never in public.
  • Employee acts objectively, respectfully and fairly with other employees, including institutions and companies that cooperate with PPCG.
  • Employees make decisions and solve work tasks conscientiously and objectively based on their merits, reflecting fundamentally any legally relevant facts and solving their tasks without undue delay.
  • Employees perform assigned work tasks responsibly, comply with the provisions of the generally binding legal regulations related to the work they perform, as well as to the internal regulations of the Employer.
  • Employee respects any expert, professional and different knowledge and opinions of other employees. Co-workers shall solve any disputes factually in a cultivated manner and openly with direct superiors and respect their decisions.
  • In cooperation with other employees, Employee works in the area of fulfilment and implementation of the best services possible.
  • Employee is committed to the fulfilment of his/her obligation towards the Employer and fulfils duties arising from deepening of his/her expertise and qualifications.
  • Employee does not act in conflict with the legitimate interests of the Employer, in particular, does not perform activities aimed at damaging the reputation of the Employer, whilst being required to maintain and protect the reputation of the Employer. Even outside the working hours, Employee acts so as not to reduce the Employer's confidence in the public eye. Employee preserves confidentiality of matters that could damage the legitimate interests of the Employer. Within its options, Employee tries to avoid any conduct that damages the reputation of the Employer.
  • Employee strives for efficient and economical use and administration of all resources, equipment and property of the Employer.
  • Cases of identified losses on resources, equipment and property of the Employer, customers or people who are present in the business premises of PPCG with the permission or knowledge of the Employer, or in case of suspected fraudulent or corrupt behaviour, Employee shall notify that fact immediately to his/her line manager and, in severe cases, also to law enforcement authorities.
  • Employees shall not abuse their position, act fairly and correctly in relation to subordinates and does not commit acts having signs of bullying.

 

Article V.
Conflict of Interest

  • Employee makes sure not to get into a conflict of interest with his/her private status of a PPCG employee. Private interest includes any advantage for employees, their families, close persons, legal persons or other individuals who Employee has or had any business, political or other similar relationships with.
  • If Employee is not sure of the above facts, it is his/her duty to consult the affair with the line manager and together agree on a solution that will comply with the Code.

 

Article VI.
Ethical Principles in Relation to the Environment

  • PPCG firmly believes that their actions can contribute to creating a more sustainable world and, in accordance with this belief, applies proactive management to all levels with regard to the environmental protection.
  • PPCG implements such organizational structures, management systems, training procedures and plans that at least guarantee the compliance with all applicable laws, generally binding legal regulations and standards.
  • PPCG engages its employees in the process of environmental management.
  • PPCG aim is to continuously improve the evaluation of its products and services in terms of environmental protection through actively seeking ways to reduce the negative impacts on the environment throughout the life cycle of those projects, products and services.

 

Article VII.
Final Provisions

  • Violation of each provision of this Code will be considered as misconduct within the meaning of applicable labour laws.
  • All PPCG employees are required to get familiar with this Code, including its changes and amendments, and follow it to the full. Introducing of the Code, including its changes and amendments, to Employees, shall be confirmed by a written signature. This Code is issued for an indefinite period and comes into effect on September 1, 2015.

 

David Pěnička
Member of PPCG, a.s. Board of Directors

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