Compliance – whistleblower system
OUR WHISTLEBLOWER SYSTEM
Complying with statutory regulations and internal rules, and the principles laid down in our Code of Conduct has top priority at diconium. The success of our company is based on Integrity and Compliance. To meet these standards, it is important to learn of potential employee or supplier misconduct and to put a stop to it. Therefore, we entrusted the Central Investigation Office of Volkswagen AG to operate an independent, impartial and confidential Whistleblower System on our behalf. Hence, diconium is linked to the Whistleblower System of the Volkswagen Group.
A key pillar of our Whistleblower System is the principle of procedural fairness. It also guarantees the greatest possible protection for whistleblowers, persons implicated and employees contributing to the investigation of reported misconduct.
This also includes offering opportunities for anonymous reporting and communication. We assure not to perform any steps in order to identify anonymous whistleblowers, who do not misuse our Whistleblower System. Retaliation of whistleblowers and all persons who contribute to investigations at diconium will not be tolerated. Persons implicated are presumed innocent until the violation is proven. Investigations will be conducted with the utmost confidentiality. The information will be processed in a fair, fast and protected process.
HOW DO WE PROCESS YOUR REPORT?
The qualified and experienced colleagues at the Investigation Office examine every report for potential misconduct by a Volkswagen Group employee thoroughly and follow it up systematically. First, you will get a confirmation of receipt. The Investigation Office then assesses your report. This includes gathering facts particularly from the whistleblower. Only if this initial evaluation shows grounds for suspicion of a violation an investigation by a dedicated Investigating Unit will be started. Afterwards, the results of the investigation will be assessed by the Investigation Office and appropriate measures will be recommended. Information about the status* and the outcome of the procedure will be given to you without undue delay.
Potential violations by suppliers, including serious risks and violations of human rights and environment by direct and indirect suppliers, can also be reported to the Investigation Office – as well as reports requiring otherwise immediate action. The Investigation Office will inform the responsible departments, who will process the issue accordingly. This particularly includes taking the necessary measures to minimize or end violations and/or risks.
*The processing time varies depending on the subject of the procedure
Find more information on the procedural principles of the Volkswagen Group Complaints Procedure here.
MAKING A REPORT TO OUR WHISTLEBLOWER SYSTEM
The Whistleblower System offers various channels to report potential employee misconduct that allow a swift review and reaction by our company if necessary. However, this does not affect the statutory right to contact designated authorities as described below.
24/7 Hotline
You can make a report at 365 days, 24 hours, using the international toll-free number:
+800 444 46300*
If your local telephone provider does not support the toll-free service, you can call the following chargeable number:
+49 5361 946300
*Depending on the country you are calling from it is possible that the international toll-free hotline is not available since some telephone network providers do not support the service. If so, please use the offered chargeable number or your country specific number.
| Country | Toll Free Number | Local Number |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 0800-5912743 | 021-23911381 |
| Mexico | 001-800-461-0242 | 0155-71000355 |
| Slovak Republic | 0800-002576 | 02-33325602 |
| USA | 833-6571574 | 908-2198092 |
| South Africa | 0800-994983 | 021-1003533 |
| Malaysia | 1-800-819523 | 0154-600099 |
| Argentina | 0800-6662992 | 011-52528632 |
| Germany | 0800 444 46300 | 05361-946300 |
Online Reporting Channel
You have the option of using a web-based communication platform BKMS to contact the Investigation Office in many languages. This system is confidential and technically secured. Even if your preferred language is not offered in the reporting channel, you can use any language to submit your report. You can also contact the Investigation Office in any language via e-mail or mail.
Ombudspersons
You can also get in contact with the appointed external lawyers to act as Ombudspersons. They advise on the Whistleblower System or ensure that reports from whistleblowers are forwarded anonymously to the Investigation Office if desired.
If you want to get in contact with the Ombudsperson you can find their contact details here: Ombudspersons of Volkswagen Group
You can get in contact with the Central Investigation Office via e-mail: io@volkswagen.de
Postal address/in person
Postal address Central Investigation Office
Central Investigation Office
Box 1717
38436 Wolfsburg
Germany
In person
Please make an appointment in advance by writing an E-mail to io@volkswagen.de.
DO YOU HAVE FURTHER QUESTIONS OR DO YOU NEED A LOCAL CONTACT?
Questions or suggestions for improvement concerning the Whistleblower System can also be addressed to the Investigation Office. If you have been interviewed in terms of an investigation, you have the possibility to give feedback to the Ombudsperson as independent body.
Furthermore, our local Compliance Officer can also be adressed in all matters of the Whistleblower System via nadine.stifel@diconium.com.