TSO Global Distributors
Code of Conduct
The principles of ethical business behavior are laid down in the TSO Global Distributors Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct governs how TSO Global Distributor companies conduct their affairs. This Code of Conduct describes the behavior TSO Global Distributors expects of you and what you can expect of TSO Global Distributors. The language is not legalistic and the Code is more than a set of rules. It should be viewed as an essential guide. The values underlying the Code of Conduct are obvious and universal – honesty, integrity and respect for people. Your conduct will be judged by how you live by those values, and how you have met the intention and spirit of the principles in the Code.
Throughout the Code you will see situations in which you are expected to report or seek advice about your concerns. You can do so by reporting or talking to: your supervisor; any other senior TSO Global Distributors person with whom you feel comfortable to have such a conversation, or to whom you could send an email or letter, e.g. a Human Resources or Legal representative or a Compliance Officer.
In the Code we mention specific areas where a breach of the Code is likely to carry severe consequences. But all breaches may involve serious consequences up to and including dismissal, and in some cases fines and imprisonment.
People and Safety
TSO Global Distributors aims to do no harm to people and to protect the environment. You should treat others fairly and with respect. TSO Global Distributors is an inclusive company. Discrimination and harassment are unacceptable. We want a Code of Conduct compliance record we can be proud of, we are committed to the goal of doing no harm to people and protecting the environment, while developing energy resources, products and services consistent with these aims. We aim to earn the confidence of customers, shareholders and society, to be a good neighbor and to contribute to sustainable development.
Every TSO Global Distributors company is required to have a systematic approach to Code of Conduct management designed to ensure compliance with the law and to achieve continuous performance improvement. Each TSO Global Distributors company should set targets for Code of Conduct improvement and measure, appraise and report performance levels. TSO Global Distributor companies must also ensure contractors and joint ventures under TSO Global Distributors operational control manage the Code of Conduct in line with the Commitment and Policy.
TSO Global Distributors will not tolerate harassment. TSO Global Distributors will not tolerate any action, conduct or behavior which is humiliating, intimidating or hostile. You should be particularly sensitive to actions or behaviors that may be acceptable in one culture but not in another. It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to treat others with respect and avoid situations that may be perceived as inappropriate. Challenge someone if you find their behavior hostile, intimidating or humiliating. Harassment can result in disciplinary action and may lead to dismissal. Do not physically or verbally intimidate or humiliate others. Never make inappropriate jokes or comments. If you are unsure whether something is inappropriate assume that it is. Never distribute or display offensive or derogatory material, including pictures. Don’t be afraid to speak up and tell a person if you are upset by his or her actions or behavior. Explain why and ask them to stop.
You must comply with TSO Global Distributors health, safety, security, environment and social performance requirements. Each division must aim to create lasting social benefits; safeguard the health and safety of employees, contractors and neighbors; minimize disruptions to the community; lower emissions; minimize impact on ecosystems and biodiversity; and use energy, water and other resources more efficiently.
HARRASSMENT OR ABUSE: Every worker must be treated with respect and dignity. No worker can be subject to any physical, sexual, psychological or verbal harassment or abuse. TSO Global Distributors and its Contractors will not use or tolerate any form of corporal punishment.
FORCED LABOR: TSO Global Distributors and its Contractors will not use, or purchase materials that are produced using, any form of forced labor, whether in the form of prison labor, indentured labor, bonded labor, or other forced labor.
CHILD LABOR: TSO Global Distributors and its Contractors will not employ any person at an age younger than 15. Where the age for completing compulsory education is higher than the standard for the minimum age of employment stated above, the higher age for completing compulsory education applies to this section. TSO Global Distributors will consult with governmental, human rights and nongovernmental organizations, and to take reasonable steps as evaluated by its licensors, the applicable collegiate institution(s) or their designee, and the applicable licensees to minimize the negative impact on children released from employment as a result of implementation or enforcement of TSO Global Distributors Code.
Equal Opportunity
TSO Global Distributors will ensure that its employment-related decisions are based on relevant qualifications, merit, performance and other job-related factors. TSO Global Distributors will not tolerate unlawful discrimination relating to employment. It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to respect everyone you deal with and behave fairly towards them according to TSO Global Distributors core values. You should understand the value of diversity and never discriminate. You should base hiring, evaluation, promotion, training, development, discipline, compensation and termination decisions on qualifications, merit, performance and business considerations only. Do not discriminate according to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, ethnic origin or nationality. Be aware of local legislation and cultural factors that may impact decisions.
Securing Information and Assets
Intellectual, physical and financial corporate assets are valuable and must be preserved, protected and managed properly. Personal Data and Intellectual Property (IP) must be safeguarded. Information Technology (IT) and communications facilities should be used responsibly. Records must be accurate and appropriately retained. Fraud, theft, abuse or misuse of TSO Global Distributors assets is unacceptable.
You must protect TSO Global Distributors assets against waste, loss, damage, misuse, theft, misappropriation or infringement. You must use TSO Global Distributors assets appropriately and responsibly. You must respect the physical and intangible assets of others. A failure to follow the requirements of this Code or any laws or regulations may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment.
Communications
Your communications are a reflection on TSO Global Distributors. Ensure your communications are necessary and appropriate. Ensure you adhere to all rules and follow all guidelines. Failure to safeguard information can damage TSO Global Distributors reputation and its ability to conduct business effectively. Inappropriate, inaccurate or careless communication can create serious reputation, liability and compliance risks for you and TSO Global Distributors.
The Business Communications Standard sets the principles and the rules for all communication by TSO Global Distributors staff within TSO Global or with third parties. The Standard applies to every kind of correspondence including mail, electronic documents, instant messages, websites, social media tools, paper documents, facsimile, voice and voice mail recordings. For certain media such as email or social media, additional guidelines apply.
Commitment to Business Principles
Our Values, TSO Global Distributors share a set of core values – honesty, integrity and respect for people. We also firmly believe in the fundamental importance of trust, openness, teamwork and professionalism, and pride in what we do. Sustainable Development As part of the Business Principles, we commit to contribute to sustainable development. This requires balancing short- and long-term interests, integrating economic, environmental and social considerations into business decision-making.
The Business Principles apply to all transactions, large or small, and drive the behavior expected of every employee in every TSO Global Distributors company in the conduct of its business at all times. We are judged by how we act. Our reputation will be upheld if we act in accordance with the law and the Business Principles. We encourage our business partners to live by them or by equivalent principles. It is the responsibility of management to lead by example, to ensure that all employees are aware of these principles, and behave in accordance with the spirit as well as with the letter of this statement. The application of these principles is underpinned by a comprehensive set of assurance procedures, which are designed to make sure that our employees understand the principles and confirm that they act in accordance with them. As part of the assurance system, it is also the responsibility of management to provide employees with safe and confidential channels to raise concerns and report instances of non-compliance. In turn, it is the responsibility of TSO Global Distributors employees to report suspected breaches of the Business Principles to TSO Global Distributors.