Greater integrity
Compliance
Acting with integrity is central to our compliance strategy – which is practised by all employees at all levels.
As stipulated by the board of directors and executive board of the Sanitas Group, compliance plays a central role in careful and honest corporate management within the framework of voluntary commitment and corporate social responsibility – in a social, economic and ecological context.
Integrity - central to Sanitas culture
At Sanitas, employees at all levels of the organisation are committed to comprehensive integrity in their actions: They comply with laws and regulations, fulfil internal behavioural guidelines and uphold high ethical and moral standards as a central part of the corporate culture and as an overriding principle of entrepreneurial activity ("zero tolerance"). The management ensures that this is adhered to and enforced. In other words, every employee is responsible for compliance at Sanitas.
Structures
Effective compliance management requires meaningful structures and processes. They enable the implementation of the principles set out in the Code of Conduct. The aim is to prevent illegal and irregular behaviour or otherwise to identify and correct it as quickly as possible.
Management bears overall organisational responsibility. The organisational structure is designed to avoid violations of laws and regulations with a reasonable amount of effort or otherwise to identify any cases as early as possible. The board of directors of the Sanitas Group bears overall responsibility for monitoring the compliance principles and guidelines and ensuring observance of these. The executive board of the Sanitas Group and the line organisation bear joint responsibility for operational implementation of the compliance guidelines. Within this framework, every board member and every employee is responsible for observing the compliance guidelines in their area of responsibility and influence.
Processes
Compliance processes are the operational element of an effective compliance management system. They consist of systematic processes. On the one hand, these serve to collect, assess and review the information required to fulfil the compliance requirements. On the other, they also regulate the procedure for consulting employees about compliance matters. The compliance processes comprise and systemise the procedure and management activities relating to the prevention, identification and adjustment/sanctioning of compliance violations. To this effect, the compliance processes are integrated into the business processes.
incentives and sanctions
Employees bear responsibility for the company's success. At the same time, they are obliged to comply with laws and guidelines and to protect the reputation of Sanitas. Incentives are used to incentivise both management and employees to ensure that compliance requirements are met. Any violation of the compliance regulations must be met without exception by the appropriate sanctions. Sanctions include the reduction of financial entitlements, warnings and ultimately termination of employment.
In supporting the implementation of compliance guidelines with appropriate incentives, commercial success must not be rewarded if this is associated with risks to compliance and the company’s reputation. It is also important to prevent employees from being tempted to take compliance and reputational risks by unrealistic business objectives. The company management must therefore ensure that the performance of employees is assessed both on the basis of the specified commercial targets and with regard to adherence to compliance requirements.
System
The Sanitas Group promotes a corporate culture based on integrity and adherence to rules. To achieve this, it uses established controlling processes to monitor effectiveness and business behaviour. In addition, the Sanitas Group places particular value on the initiative and responsibility of all employees.
Code of Conduct
Our vision is to ensure the easiest possible access to healthcare and place the needs of our customers at the centre of what we do. In doing so, we strive to achieve a balance between customer needs and our company goals.
As a trusted partner, we enable our customers to take their health into their own hands by providing the simplest possible access. We provide straightforward help in case of illness. We also contribute to a modern healthcare system with innovative products and services.
To achieve our goals, we rely on the core values of “straightforward”, “innovative” and “collaborative”. Together, we want to make life easier for our customers and boldly break new ground.
The Code of Conduct is fundamental in demonstrating sustainable success. It reflects our values, our image, our behaviour and our collective commitment to the quality and integrity of our actions. It provides guidance on how to protect our reputation.