Managing specific issues
Employees who have concerns or queries in relation to the Code are encouraged to raise these through a number of routes: by raising the issue with line management, human resources, legal counsel for their business or division, or by using the confidential Ethics Helpline established across the Group.
The Ethics Helpline is accessible by both phone and email to answer queries relating to ethics issues, as well as to act as a confidential reporting line for concerns and allegations. The Helpline is available via toll-free numbers in over thirty countries where Smiths has businesses, staffed by individuals who speak the local language. All issues are addressed promptly and referred, as required, to relevant functions to enable proper investigation. If appropriate and possible, a report back is given to the caller.
Information about the Ethics Helpline and other aspects of Code compliance is available to employees on the Smiths intranet. For employees who do not have access to Smiths Group electronic communication tools, posters are on display at Smiths sites. All employees are provided with a printed copy format of the Code.
Smiths continues to be awarded membership of the FTSE4Good Index which recognises companies that meet globally recognised corporate responsibility standards. Whilst we are not complacent about the ongoing work required, we were pleased to receive this external recognition of our corporate responsibility initiatives and business ethics programme.