ACTING WITH INTEGRITY

Royal HaskoningDHV has a zero tolerance towards bribery and corruption. We aim to meet and surpass standards for international best practices in anti-corruption compliance and business ethics. See also our detailed Integrity website.

Our integrity policy is embedded throughout the company and we have held the ETHIC Intelligence Anti-Corruption Certificate since 2010, the only company in the engineering consultancy industry with this certification. In 2019 we were re-awarded the prestigious certificate which recognises that our company meets and, in some cases, exceeds international best practice in doing business with integrity. The certificate was awarded following an extensive independent audit of our Integrity Management System and anti-corruption programmes which are robust and ensure compliant behaviour in our daily business. 

There were no major integrity incidents during 2019 but reports of 134 issues and concerns were made. This is higher than in 2018 (98) and reflects increased transparency, awareness and openness across our business in all regions. Characteristics of the reports included: unwelcome workplace behaviour; financial inaccuracies; a substantial number of concerns about working in controversial countries and involvement in publicly disputed projects (for example placement of windmills, working on military projects). All issues were investigated, discussed when appropriate and concerns addressed to resolve and mitigate risks. Several requests for advice were received about potential controversies, perceived conflicts of interest and third-party due diligence.

There were no allegations against the company or its management for bribery and corruption, nor investigations on this by any authority in 2019.

We maintained a strong focus on learning and awareness during 2019 and will launch a new e-learning module for our Global Code of Business principles in 2020 for all employees. Our activities reflect the trend for integrity to be closely integrated with sustainable business, increased enforcement and accountability for a clean supply chain. In our tenders and offers, we actively show our commitment to the principles of the UN Global Compact which are integrated in our Global Code of Business Principles. Suppliers and sub-contractors in Vietnam and the Netherlands are invited to e-learning on integrity and compliance in our projects. In 2020, we will launch a new way of working with regard to Third Party Due Diligence, integrated in our project management and supplier selection processes.