Rights & Compliance
Legal Department
At the Brueder Schlau Group of Companies, our legal department is at the centre of everything we do to ensure the highest standards of legal compliance and ethical conduct. Our experts are dedicated to guaranteeing all legal aspects of our business are handled properly and in accordance with the applicable regulations.
The mission of our legal department is to provide the Brueder Schlau Group of Companies with legal protection, minimise risks and maximise opportunities. We provide qualified legal advice and support to maximise opportunities and protect our business in an ever-changing legal environment.
Our legal department consists of experienced lawyers who have extensive knowledge in various areas of law. We work closely with all departments of our company to provide comprehensive legal support and a high level of legal security.
Compliance
At the Brueder Schlau Group of Companies, compliance is at the centre of everything we do. We see it as more than just adhering to laws and regulations – for us, it is a foundation on which trust, integrity and long-term success are built.
Transparency
Integrity
Responsibility
By adhering to the highest compliance standards, we offer our customers and business partners numerous advantages:
Trust and Reliability
Risk Minimisation
Sustainability
Anti-Corruption
Necessary for a Just Society
Widespread corruption is a globally significant, social problem that undermines trust in government, weakens the rule of law and hinders economic development. A determined fight against corruption is therefore of central importance in order to create a more equitable and prosperous society.
Within our corporate context, the primary responsibility is to tackle corruption inside our own workforce. Although we pay particular attention to behaviour towards public officials, our main focus is on minimising our own liability risks. Our mission is to promote an honest corporate culture and thus actively contribute to shaping a better future for generations to come.
What do we do?
Brueder Schlau enjoys a reputation among customers, suppliers and the public as an honest and reliable partner. In order for this to remain the case, it is important to recognise and take account of social and legal changes. In recent years, several legal provisions have been created to combat corruption. As a company, violations of these regulations can lead to severe fines for Brueder Schlau. Employees could face fines and possibly even imprisonment. The boundaries between permissible and impermissible contributions are blurred. With business dealings in particular, it is often unclear to us what is still considered permissible ‘climate care’ and what is already regarded as the unauthorised influencing of business decisions. To combat corruption, Brueder Schlau has drawn up a company-wide policy to clearly define the handling of gifts and invitations and to protect our employees from offences of this kind.
In addition, Brueder Schlau has created a comprehensive training system to sensitise its employees to this issue and prevent corruption in all business activities. We regularly review the effectiveness of our measures and continuously develop our training programme.
Respect and Responsibility
The strength of a multifaceted company.
Diversity is not just a word, it’s a concept that describes the rich abundance of human differences and variety in a society. These differences can range from our origin and ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation, religion, social status and ability, as well as age and many other characteristics. In an increasingly interconnected world, recognising and valuing this diversity is crucial for social cohesion and progress.
What do we do?
Brueder Schlau is committed to a respectful working environment in which all colleagues are treated equally and with respect. By committing ourselves to treating every member of staff equally and with respect, regardless of their age, position in the company or job, and irrespective of their personal characteristics, we create an environment in which everyone can realise their full potential. This not only strengthens our company, but also promotes a positive working environment based on trust, openness and cooperation.
We accept and respect the diversity of our fellow employees. We therefore condemn discrimination on the basis of attitude to life, ideology, religion, ethnic origin, political views, appearance, lifestyle, behaviour, sexual orientation, health impairment, gender, age, education and marital status, although this list is not exhaustive. We refrain from making racist, sexist or other discriminatory statements and ensure that no one feels violated because of their origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation or other personal characteristics.
We have created a strong culture of personal appreciation, live shared values and have a clear understanding of the significance of our differences.
Money Laundering
A danger to society
Money laundering is a serious and widespread crime that threatens the very foundations of our society. Illegally acquired money is used in such a way that it appears to have been acquired legitimately. This phenomenon is not only a problem for the financial world, because it drives inflation and impairs monetary stability, but also for society as a whole, because the value of honest labour is undermined.
The effects of money laundering are also far-reaching and profound in today’s competitive environment. Their impact on society should not be underestimated. Money laundering leads to a distortion of competition, as companies that earn their money legally and finance their investments with expensive loans have to compete against those that are financed by criminal activities. This leads to an unfair market and ultimately harms consumers.
What do we do?
As a responsible company, Brueder Schlau complies with regulations and implements the obligations imposed by law to prevent money laundering. This is the only way we can help to combat criminal activities and protect our company from legal consequences.
In order to fulfil these obligations throughout the Group of Companies, Brueder Schlau has drawn up a guideline that clearly defines how to handle cash.
Brueder Schlau has also created a comprehensive training system to sensitise its employees to this issue and train them on how to deal with suspicious cases. We regularly review the effectiveness of our measures and continuously develop our training programme.
Antitrust Law
Exchange of information? – Only in fair competition with us!
The antitrust authorities have been stepping up the prosecution of antitrust offences for years. These can have serious consequences: as a company, Brueder Schlau faces significant financial penalties in the event of a breach of antitrust law. In addition, executive bodies, managers and employees may face personal fines and criminal prosecution. Affected business partners can demand compensation. Many cases of antitrust proceedings have also led to a considerable loss of reputation and trust among the companies involved. This applies not only to business partners and customers, but also to the company’s own employees.
What do we do?
At Brueder Schlau, we make our business decisions independently, because agreements with our business partners that lead to or are aimed at restricting competition are unlawful.
In order to protect ourselves and the company from risks of this kind and to ensure compliant and ethically correct behaviour in all areas, Brueder Schlau is introducing an antitrust guideline for the entire group of companies.
Brueder Schlau employees are sensitised to this topic through a comprehensive training system and instructed on how to represent the company in a legally secure and compliant manner. The effectiveness of our measures is continuously reviewed and refined.
Supply Chain Due Diligence Requirements
Human rights are not voluntary!
The Supply Chain Duty of Care Act marks a significant step towards global corporate responsibility and sustainability. This law obliges the Brueder Schlau Group of Companies to ensure compliance with human rights and environmental standards along its entire supply chain.
We are committed to identifying, preventing and mitigating risks of human rights abuses and environmental damage in our supply chain. The aim is to improve working conditions, combat child labour, reduce environmental pollution and promote more ethical business practices overall.
What do we do?
As a conscientious company, and as a matter of conviction, Brueder Schlau complies with this regulation and is aware of the scope of this responsibility. For this reason, we have created a comprehensive auditing system for our suppliers that fully covers the requirements stipulated in the Supply Chain Duty of Care Act. Through our Business Partner Code, we oblige our suppliers to also commit to these obligations.
Brueder Schlau has joined the initiative amfori BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) for an independent assessment of our own business area. This programme serves to improve social standards in a global value chain. As a member, we are committed to complying with the 13 standards defined by amfori (amfori-2021-11-04-BSCI Code of Conduct-Poster-Melissa-08.indd (amazonaws.com) and also demand the same from our own suppliers.
Brueder Schlau is thus committed to the global improvement of human rights.
Information Provider
Help us maintain a fair and honest business environment for everyone and avoid environmental impacts. No process is flawless and no monitoring is complete. Therefore, if, according to your observations, we have not recognised an ESG risk, failed to detect violations or have not recognised developments, you can report this to us at any time via our reporting system. It is up to you to decide whether you wish to do so publicly or anonymously; in any case, we will take your information on board!
Contact
The Brueder Schlau Compliance Team is always available to address any inquiries or communications you may have.
Contact details:
E-Mail: Compliance@brueder-schlau.de
