It is a fundamental principle for Demant to compete for business on fair terms and solely on the merits of our services. Demant is committed to avoiding the use of corruption, wherever we do business. Through anti-corruption risk assessment, we have identified the functions that are exposed to the highest risk in respect of corruption and bribery. These, among others, include employees that are in direct contact with public officials, for instance by participating in negotiations for public tenders on Demant’s behalf.

We have implemented policies and guidelines to mitigate corruption risks throughout our organisation. This includes an Anti-Corruption Policy, Gifts & Hospitality Guidelines, containing country-specific appendices with local monetary limits and a Third Party Compliance Code, which contains a section on anti-corruption, and which is included as an appendix in contracts with third parties.

Demant has established a whistleblower hotline, which enables employees, business partners and all other internal and external stakeholders to report any concerns about serious and sensitive matters confidentially and anonymously. We encourage employees and external stakeholders to raise their concerns about serious and sensitive actions that (1) fail to comply with our Code of Conduct, (2) fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations and/or (3) jeopardise the health and safety of our employees.

The whistleblower hotline enables employees, business partners and other stakeholders to report their concerns relating to corruption and bribery confidentially and anonymously. Group Legal & Compliance manages all reports received through the whistleblower hotline and our Whistleblower Policy and Investigation Guideline ensure that the investigator involved in a specific whistleblower case is independent from the chain of management involved in the matter.