Code of Conduct

DNV’s new Code of Conduct

When the decision to revise DNV’s Code of Conduct was taken in late 2019, Group Compliance took it up a notch from the typical legal policy document. Through its modernized language, images and visual elements, the new Code of Conduct speaks not only to DNV’s People, but also to everyone involved in the business of DNV.

Gesa Heinacher-Kindemann

TEXT: GESA HEINACHER-LINDEMANN AND KONSTANZE FELSNER

Gesa Heinacher-Lindemann, Group Compliance Officer, explains the process of developing and deciding the new Code of Conduct was taken.

“We involved internal and external resources to learn about best practice in the industry and to develop ideas for an approach that fits DNV’s Purpose, new Vision, Values and now also the new DNV Strategy 2025. Different options were first discussed in the Group People Leadership team.

Based on the input we gathered, we decided to take a fresh, digitalized approach in line with DNV’s new values and strategy. We felt it important to create a living document, which is ready to evolve with DNV’s changing needs and reflects the new direction as a trusted voice in an era of disruptive change and global crises.

We aligned this new approach and wording closely with stakeholders, content owners, Group Communications and EWC. The finalized wording was then reviewed and approved by the Group CEO and the Board of Directors. Me and my team are quite proud of how well we managed to work on this project with our various stakeholders even though we were at the height of a global pandemic.”

WHAT IS NEW TO THE CODE OF CONDUCT?

“DNV’s Code of Conduct is not intended to be a static document that sits in a drawer for the next five or so years,” Gesa explains.

“Moreover, we did not want to create a document that merely ticks off the legally required content. While of course legal requirements need to be addressed, we wanted something more: An inclusive Code of Conduct, which is giving clear guidance, is clear on expectations, is visually pleasing and easy to use. We also intended to create a document that appeals to our People when it comes to the language used. This is why we decided to use a modernized, non-legal language style, and for each topic include a quick and easy orientation on DNV’s expectations. These are clearly set off in each chapter. We also included the expectations for behaviour and responsibilities for employees and managers. And we have included a visual guidance on ethical decision-making.

Some topics have been further clarified, and some are now addressed in individual chapters, e.g. fraud, export control and sanctions, human rights, diversity and discrimination, harassment, health and safety, confidentiality, IT security and personal data protection.

Last but not least, it is important to us that the Code speaks to all People working in and for DNV. Therefore, we made sure that the images used reflect the diversity of our People, including genders, ethnicities, ages and functions.”

IN WHICH WAYS IS THE CODE OF CONDUCT AVAILABLE?

Next to the DMS publication, there is a version of the Code of Conduct available that is suitable for external sharing. This document can also be found on the dnv. com website. More information can be found on a dedicated intranet site in the Group Compliance Gateway.

Furthermore, a new informative and easy-to-use e-learning on the Code of Conduct has been launched which highlights responsibilities, explains expectations and the use of the ethical toolkit, and includes a compliance declaration. The training is mandatory and all employees are asked to declare their commitment to the Code of Conduct.

• DMS publication: DMSG-0-2 • Download the Code of Conduct (suitable for external sharing) • Mandatory training course on the

Code of Conduct • Group Compliance Gateway on the new Code of Conduct

Translations of the Code will soon be available in Chinese, Czech, Czech, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. •