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“At the Acerinox Group, we believe that success depends not only on achieving our goals, but also on the path we choose to achieve them. There are no shortcuts or alternative routes to success unless they are
firmly grounded on integrity and an absolute adherence to rules. This philosophy has allowed us to establish ourselves as a leader in the stainless steel industry and will guide us to a sustainable and responsible future.”
Bernardo Velázquez Herreros.
Chief Executive Officer of Acerinox.
The Code of Conduct, approved by the Board of Directors, is the highest-level standard that guides the actions of all members of the Acerinox Group organization, including its governing bodies, members of Senior Management, executives, employees, workers pursuant to collaboration agreements, volunteers and trainees, regardless of their position, geographical location or functional dependence, and the Acerinox Group entity or company where they provide their services.
Trust, a good reputation and the protection of the company’s image are essential factors in the Group’s internal and external relations.
The principles of this Code must govern, guide and inspire the conduct of all those to whom it is addressed, as well as the implementation of the Group’s activities and internal rules.
The wide range of activities carried out by ACERINOX, the different geographical areas in which it operates and its ongoing relationship with third parties means that the Company is subject to a variety of regulations in different jurisdictions and is exposed it to a wide range of risks.
In accordance with this principle, together with the Company’s values and the Code of Conduct, ACERINOX has implemented a Compliance Management System based on the principles of transparency and due control, which can be summarized as follows:
The responsibility for Compliance is generally shared by all members of the Company, in their own areas and with a focus on risk, and specifically in accordance with the internal structure of functions and responsibilities established by the Company.
It reflects the commitments made by the Company in its regulations, which comprises the policies, standards, procedures and controls that enable and facilitate its effective implementation.
The existence of safeguards, such as the Compliance Function, whose responsibilities include ensuring knowledge, understanding, and compliance with the Company’s commitments as laid down in its policies, regulations, and procedures.
The establishment of a procedure for handling reports and inquiries regarding irregularities or beaches of the Code of Conduct and its underlying rules and policies.
What is it?
The Acerinox Whistleblower Channel, also known as the Internal Reporting System, is a communication tool accessible to all employees and stakeholders to report behaviors that may constitute serious criminal or administrative violations and possible violations of the Code of Conduct or any other internal rules of the Group.
Purpose of the Whistleblower Channel:
Communication channels
Acerinox fosters a free environment where you can escalate any breach or non-compliance to your manager, Human Resources or the Compliance Department. In addition, the Internal Reporting System has several channels to facilitate the reporting of violations, adapted to local needs in each jurisdiction. Complaints may be made anonymously or with personal identification, in writing or verbally, through the following channels:
Corporate websites: Whistleblower Channel
Mailing address: Complaints Committee, Acerinox S.A., Santiago de Compostela 100, 28035 Madrid, Spain.
Telephone numbers enabled in the different countries.
The Whistleblower Channel or Internal Reporting System is the primary channel for reporting acts or omissions that may constitute a crime or a serious or very serious administrative offense.
We encourage the responsible use of our Whistleblower Channel (IRS) by protecting all whistleblowers and informants, both anonymous and confidential, through the following guarantees:
Confidentiality of information.
Protection of identity.
Absence of any form of retaliation for reporting or providing information through this Channel.
As a leading company in the stainless steel sector, Acerinox is committed to sustainability, respect and defense of human rights and promotes an integrative corporate culture committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.
The Code of Conduct for Business Partners include the requirements we have established for our suppliers.
The requirements are updated periodically to ensure that they include the most up-to-date best practices and are aligned with our performance.
Digital platform focused on supply chain risk management that enables effective assessment, monitoring and management of commitment and deployment of ESG policies and measures.
Supplier performance is assessed annually through quality and delivery times, customer service, product/service competitiveness, continuous improvement evaluations and compliance with ESG criteria.
As part of responsible procurement management, Acerinox can request on-site and online audits, which may be carried out either by the company itself or by accredited external auditors. These
audits will focus on compliance with ESG standards and/or analysis of capacity verification, operational flexibility, quality management system, etc.
with Senior Management
involving Communication, Awareness and Training
third-party assessments
trained in Ethics and Compliance
received and managed