Our whistleblower system

Felix Schoeller's actions towards colleagues, business partners, shareholders and the public are characterised by integrity and responsibility. We do not tolerate any violations of applicable law. Guidelines for our actions are set out in our Code of Conduct. Only a company that observes the law can be successful in today's national and international business environment.

Every Felix Schoeller employee is obliged to report possible or actual violations of the Code of Conduct - whether their own or those of colleagues - immediately to the relevant specialist department or to the Compliance Officer. In addition to the internal whistleblower system on the Felix Schoeller intranet, there is also an external, electronic system operated by EQS (whistleblower system) to detect possible violations.

External stakeholders, such as business partners and their employees or neighbours of our sites, have the opportunity to use the whistleblower system to report suspected compliance cases to Felix Schoeller. Reports can be made on all important compliance issues and are automatically forwarded by the system to the relevant department in the company for processing.

The whistleblower system is certified in accordance with European data protection law. The protection of data and whistleblowers is a top priority. The data is stored on protected servers in Germany. Technical security measures ensure that neither Felix Schoeller nor the external operator can draw conclusions about the identity of the whistleblower if they do not wish to identify themselves personally. The content of the reports is processed exclusively by Felix Schoeller. Neither the external operator nor third parties can view the notices placed there.

Felix Schoeller will take up all reports of offences and follow them up by means of internal investigations.

  • Responsibility for the complaints procedure

    The contact person at Felix Schoeller for relevant information is Mechtild Kerkhoff, Felix Schoeller's Compliance Officer and Human Rights Officer.

    Mechtild Kerkhoff

    E-mail: mkerkhoff(at)felix-schoeller.com

    Telephone: +49 541 3800 321

  • What can be reported?

    Reports relating to our supply chain may concern misconduct in the following areas:

    • Prohibition of employing a child

    • Prohibition of the worst forms of child labour (e.g. slavery, illicit or harmful activities)

    • Prohibition of forced labour, slavery, slavery-like practices, servitude or other forms of domination or oppression in the workplace environment

    • Prohibition of non-compliance with occupational health and safety obligations

    • Prohibition of disregarding the freedom of association

    • Prohibition of discrimination

    • Prohibition of withholding an appropriate wage

    • Prohibition of environmental damage (e.g. through soil change, water pollution, air pollution, noise emissions or excessive water consumption)

    • Prohibition of unlawful eviction and the prohibition of unlawful seizure of land, forests and waters

    • Prohibition of the hiring or use of private or public security forces if they a) disregard the prohibition of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, b) harm life or limb or c) violate the freedom of association and the right to organise

    • Violation of the Minamata Convention, i.e.

    • Manufacture of products laced with mercury

    • Use of mercury and mercury compounds in manufacturing processes

    • Unlawful disposal of mercury waste

    • Prohibition of the production and use of persistent organic pollutants

    • Prohibition of non-environmentally sound handling, collection, storage and disposal of waste

    • Prohibition of the export and import of hazardous waste

  • Course of the procedure
    Felix Schoeller whistleblower proceedings

    Receipt of the notification

    Upon receipt of the report, whistleblowers will receive a confirmation of receipt. This is usually sent within seven days of receipt of the report.

    Checking the report

    The content of the report is then checked. Questions may arise during this phase, which are clarified in dialogue with the reporting person. Depending on the content, the next steps are determined. If the complaint is rejected, the whistleblower will receive an explanation.

    Clarification of the facts

    If the procedure continues, the issue is discussed and examined with the whistleblower. An amicable dispute resolution procedure may be an option.

    Working out a solution

    A proposal for a solution is developed in close contact with the whistleblower. If relevant, agreements on compensation are made.

    Remedial action

    Remedial action may be required to resolve reported problems. If remedial action has been agreed, it will be implemented and followed up.

    Review and closure

    The outcome of the procedure is evaluated together with the whistleblower. In particular, this also involves assessing the whistleblower's satisfaction with the process and outcome of the procedure.

Rules of procedure according to § 8 para. 2 LKSG  For anonymous reports click here