EN
|
Our Whistleblower System
Complying with relevant statutory regulations and internal rules, and the principles laid down in our Code of Conduct and the Code of Conduct for Business Partners, has top priority at Volkswagen Group. The success of our company is based on Integrity and Compliance. To meet these standards, it is important to learn of potential misconduct and to put a stop to it. Therefore, we entrusted Regional Investigation Office to operate an independent, impartial and confidential Whistleblower System on our behalf.
A key pillar of our Whistleblower System is the principle of procedural fairness. It also lays out the possible and legally-allowed 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 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 VGC will not be tolerated. Investigations upon reasonable suspicion will be conducted with the utmost confidentiality. The information will be processed in a fair and protected process. Other applicable principles for Whistleblower System will be also applied during the handling of reporting.
How does the company process reports received?
The qualified and experienced colleagues at the Investigation Office examine the received report for (potential) misconduct by a Volkswagen Group employee thoroughly and follow it up systematically. First, upon the reported information, 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 sufficient grounds for reasonable suspicion of a violation an investigation by a dedicated Investigating Unit (and/or competent function) will be started. Afterwards, the results of the investigation will be assessed by the Investigation Office and appropriate measures will be recommended (if applicable).
When Investigation Office receives (potential) violations of the Code of Conduct for Business Partners - as well as reports including otherwise action, the Investigation Office will inform the responsible departments, who will process the issue accordingly. This particularly includes taking the necessary/applicable measures to minimize or end violations and/or risks.
Do you have any concern or feedback regarding the product or service?
If you have any questions or inquiries regarding [your new or used vehicle | feedback or complaints about services provided by 4S Shops/dealers, please contact Applicable Customer Care Contact(s). We kindly ask for your understanding that the Whistleblower System unfortunately cannot process customer complaints.
Whistleblower System Reporting Channel
*Please note: Chinese laws and regulations limit or prohibit cross-border transfer from mainland China of certain “Sensitive Information”, including “Important Data”, “Chinese State Secrets” and “Personal Information”. By submitting such information via Group reporting channels managed by Central Investigation Office in Germany (the reporting channels such as io@volkswagen.de, BKMS, Ombudespersons locate overseas), you might risk violating the applicable Chinese laws and regulations and may also bear the risk of being penalized by the competent Chinese authorities.
The information is treated as confidential and it is the whistleblower who decides whether he or she wishes to protect his or her identity when sending the report. The reports from whistleblowers who do not wish to be identified by the Company are forwarded by the Investigation Office anonymously.
How to report violations through the Whistleblower System?
Keep the following advice in mind for your report to be properly handled and verified:
You can report violations of the statutory and internal regulations (e.g. applicable law, internal policies) by Volkswagen employees to the Regional Investigation Office.
Make sure your descriptions as detailed/concrete/objective as possible, including these elements:
• Who
• What
• When
• How
• Where
In order to effectively proceed the next step, it is helpful if you are available for further questions and could provide concrete materials/supporting documents.
(Please note, this system is NOT a designated channel to resolve workplace conflicts, personnel matters, or work mistakes, etc.; it is also NOT an advice center for general questions about rule-compliant behavior or compliance.)
