A key function of the CoC is to make everyone in the company appropriately aware of applicable laws and company guidelines and to raise awareness of legal risks in everyday working life. The Code of Conduct summarizes laws and other rules that are of particular relevance to Bertelsmann companies and provides guidance. As a binding guideline for legally compliant and ethically responsible conduct in our company, the Code of Conduct also defines the standard for responsible behavior towards business partners and the public, as well as in dealings with one another within the company. Everyone in the company – employees, the Management Board and the Supervisory Board – is obliged to comply with the principles set out therein.

The Code of Conduct comprises 21 principles, divided into the topics “Basic requirements”, “Responsibility with business partners and third parties”, “Content, information and finances”.

In addition, the Code of Conduct also provides guidance on appropriate decision-making and provides information on the speak-up channels provided by the company, i.e. ways to seek advice or raise concerns about possible misconduct confidentially and safely.