Responsibility for compliance with the Principles rests principally with the management of each business. Every country organization and each main production site has a compliance officer. Confirmation of compliance with the GBP is an integral part of the annual Statement on Business Controls that the managements of each business unit are required to issue. The GBP incorporate a Whistleblower Policy, a standardized reporting tool for complaints and gifts, and a formal escalation procedure.
Philips has a Whistleblower Policy in place that encourages all its employees to report any suspected violation of the General Business Principles or the GBP Directives (including the Financial Code of Ethics and the Supply Management Code of Ethics) that cannot be resolved together with the management concerned or that constitute an immediate threat to corporate integrity. Employees involved are entitled to protection from retaliation for having, in good faith, made a complaint, disclosed information relating to a complaint or otherwise participated in an investigation relating to a complaint.
Complaints can be reported to a GBP Compliance Officer or via a toll-free hotline. The toll-free telephone line is available to all employees, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. The hotline makes it possible for employees to report complaints and alleged violations anonymously (if desired and allowed by local law) without fear that the complaints might lead to retaliation or disciplinary action. To ensure anonymity and confidentiality, the call center does not utilize any recording devices or simulated electronic voice greetings.
To ensure full transparency in reporting compliance with the company standards on integrity, Philips has implemented a company-wide toolkit for the compulsory registration of gifts to third parties.
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