The Voice Of Authors Group, comprised of Voice Of Authors GmbH, Bookscapes Inc., Voice Of Authors Spain S.L.U., and Voice Of Authors Brazil Distribuicao de Livros Digitais Ltda., upholds stringent ethical and social standards. Our business relationships are built upon legal, environmentally conscious, and socially responsible practices. Corporate responsibility, particularly concerning sustainability and climate protection, is essential for fostering a healthy society. In line with this commitment, we expect our business partners to align with these standards. The guidelines in this Code of Conduct define the standards expected of Voice Of Authors's business partners, rooted in significant international human rights and environmental standards, including Germany’s Supply Chain Duty of Care Act.
The business partner is required to follow these principles, communicate them to employees, agents, and subcontractors, and take necessary actions to uphold these standards.
1. Compliance with Laws
All relevant legal systems must be adhered to, and inciting or participating in unlawful acts is prohibited.
2. Human Rights
Fair Treatment
Business partners will not engage in forced labor or any abusive workplace behavior, including harassment, physical punishment, or coercion.
Child Labor and Minor Protection
Business partners must not employ child labor and must follow all minor protection laws, ensuring no employees are below the legal employment age or younger than 15 years (or 14 if national law permits, per ILO Convention 138).
Health and Safety
Workplaces must meet health and safety standards, avoiding conditions that threaten employee health. Training and emergency care must be provided, especially for younger employees. Cleanliness must be maintained, including in employee accommodations.
Remuneration and Working Hours
Business partners are to comply with laws and standards on wages and working hours, guaranteeing minimum wage and statutory benefits. Employees should have detailed wage information and be afforded legally mandated rest and break times.
Freedom of Association
Employees must be allowed to form or join unions per local laws, participate in collective bargaining, and assemble freely without fear of retaliation.
Disciplinary Measures
Any disciplinary actions should be legal and respectful of human rights, avoiding the withholding of pay or documents, and respecting employees' right to resign.
Prohibition of Discrimination
Equal treatment and opportunities must be ensured, prohibiting discrimination based on age, gender, orientation, disability, nationality, ethnicity, religion, or political views.
3. Ethical Business Conduct
Anti-Corruption and Bribery
Voice Of Authors expects zero tolerance for corruption or bribery. Business activities must follow integrity standards, with only minor promotional items or business invitations allowed within reasonable limits.
Conflict of Interest Avoidance
Decisions should prioritize company interests without personal influence, focusing on objective criteria like quality and reliability. Disclosures of conflicts of interest are required.
Fair Competition
Business partners must comply with competition laws, avoiding practices like price fixing or bid rigging.
Intellectual Property
Intellectual property rights are to be respected, ensuring protection in any technology and knowledge exchanges.
Trade Secret Protection
Confidential information must be safeguarded during and beyond business relationships.
4. Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing
Business partners must follow statutory provisions against money laundering and terrorist financing, both directly and indirectly.
5. Foreign Trade and Embargo Compliance
Business partners must observe customs regulations and embargoes.
6. Data Protection
Personal data must be safeguarded, following laws on data security and privacy.
7. Environment
Environmental Protection
Compliance with environmental laws is mandatory, particularly regarding waste, emissions, and hazardous substances management. Employees must be trained in handling hazardous materials.
Waste Management
Partners must minimize and control waste, emissions, and environmental impact, adhering to local regulations.
Resource Management
Efforts to minimize resource consumption, waste, and environmental impact are ongoing, with a focus on climate protection and biodiversity.
8. Information and Control
Business partners must assess supply chain risks, taking steps to mitigate them. They must report significant violations immediately and cooperate in any investigations, respecting data privacy and trade secrets. An internal reporting system should be in place to protect employees reporting breaches.
9. Audit Compliance
Voice Of Authors may conduct audits to ensure adherence to this Code, coordinating with business partners on logistics.
10. Violation Consequences
Failure to comply may result in a set time for remediation. Continued or serious breaches may lead to termination of the business relationship without notice, with further rights reserved, including damage claims.
11. No Third-Party Protection
This Code of Conduct applies solely to the relationship between Voice Of Authors and its business partners, with no protections extended to third parties.
