The Vodafone
Code of Conduct
Doing what’s right
2
2
Contents
“Trustisfundamental
ineverythingwedo”.
A message from our Chief Executive
3
Why we have a Code of Conduct
5
Our Business Principles
7
Speak Up
Individual conduct
Security of our people, property and information
9
11
11
Financial integrity
23
Committingtocontractsandexpenditure
24
Operatingaresponsiblesupplychain
24
Protectingourbrandandotherassets
25
Public policy
26
Communications
27
Avoidingconflictsofinterest
13
SpeakingonbehalfofVodafone
27
Giftsandhospitality
15
Usingsocialmedia
28
Travelandexpenses
16
Managingourinformationanddocuments
16
Compliance with the law
17
Customers
OurPrivacyCommitments
Employees
29
29
31
Insiderdealing
17
Diversityandinclusion
31
Competitionlaws
18
Preventingharassmentandbullying
32
Briberyandimproperpayments
19
Drugsandalcohol
33
Anti-money laundering
20
Globalsanctions
21
Tradecontrols
21
Health and safety
22
Communities and society
34
Environment
35
Key definitions used in this Code
36
3
A message from
our Chief Executive
Watch the video
Beinganadmiredcompanyisnotjustaboutour
performanceandachievements,it’salsoabout
actinginaresponsible,ethicalandlawfulway.As
oneoftheworld’sleadinginternationalcompanies,
weneedtoearnthetrustofourcustomers,
colleaguesandthecommunitieswherewework.
OurCodeofConductsetsoutourbusiness
principlesandhoweverysinglepersonatVodafone
needstoapplythese.WecallthisDoingwhat’sright.
Vittorio Colao
VodafoneGroupChiefExecutiveOfficer
Iamproudaboutworkingforacompanythat
hasthehigheststandardsofintegrityandwhich
passionatelyprotectsitspeople,assetsand
reputation.Pleasetakethetimetounderstandour
CodeofConduct,toSpeakUpwhenyouhaveany
concernsandalwaysdowhat’sright.
Vittorio Colao
VodafoneGroupChiefExecutiveOfficer
4
“Beinganadmiredcompanyisnot
justaboutourperformanceand
achievements,it’salsoabout
actinginaresponsible,ethical
andlawfulway.”
5
6
Why we have a
Code of Conduct
Trustisfundamentaltoeverythingwedo.
Doingwhat’srightmeanswemustalwaysactwithintegrity
toensurewearetrustedbyourcustomers,colleagues,
businesspartnersandthecommunitiesinwhichwework.
OurCodeofConductsetsoutwhatweexpectfromevery
singlepersonworkingforandwithVodafone.Italsounderlines
ourresponsibilitiestoourpeople,partnersandshareholders.
TheCodeofConducthelpsusallmakeinformeddecisions
andtellsuswheretogoformoreinformation.
The Vodafone Way
TheVodafoneWaysetsoutourcorevaluesforhowweworkso
wecanbeadmiredbyourcustomers,shareholders,thepeople
weworkwithandthecommunitiesweworkin.
Our Business Principles
OurBusinessPrinciplesarethefoundationforhowwedo
businesseverywhereweoperateandareattheheartof
ourCodeofConduct.
Who is the Code of Conduct for?
OurCodeofConductisforeveryone
workingforandwithVodafone:employees,
directors,contractors,subsidiaries,joint
venturesandsuppliers.Weexpectour
suppliersandbusinesspartnerstouphold
thesamestandardsandtoabidebyour
CodeofEthicalPurchasing.Thiscanbe
foundonvodafone.comandontheCode
ofConductintranetpage.
The Vodafone Way
Customer Obsessed
Innovation Hungry
We are passionate about exceeding
customer expectations
We create and deliver new products, services
and ways of working that delight our customers
• Immerses self in customer experience
• Takes personal accountability for the customer experience
• Looks outside Vodafone to understand customer
experience, behaviour and trends
• Takes risks and pushes what’s possible; always looks for innovation
• Looks outside of Vodafone for ideas and inspiration and acts on these
• Implements solutions which are simple, impactful and replicable
Ambitious & Competitive
One Company, Local Roots
We bring energy and passion to our work
and always aim to beat the competition
We work across Vodafone to achieve the best
outcome for customers, employees and shareholders
• Raises the bar for self and team
• Delivers lean and cost effective every time
• Strives to outperform competitors looks beyond internal benchmarks
• Collaborates across markets & functions; makes best
decision for Vodafone as a whole
• Influences across the business – shapes thinking and
impacts others’ views
• Values our differences and acts inclusively, communicates
and uses best practice
Speed
Simplicity
Trust
We drive speed to market. We relentlessly
prioritise�and pursue the outcomes that
matter to our business
We make things simple for our
customers, partners and colleagues
We are reliable and transparent to deal with.
We�deliver for others and trust others to
do likewise
• Makes RAPID business decisions
• Delivers the right things with urgency
• Analyses fast, executes fast
• Acts and communicates with simplicity
• Prioritises the right things
• Creates a simple working environment
• Do what you say you will do
• Trust others to deliver
• Support decisions once made
Be an Admired Leader
• Sets direction; generates commitment & engagement
What is the Code of Conduct?
TheCodeofConductisourcentralpolicy
document,outliningtherequirementsthat
everysinglepersonworkingforandwith
Vodafonemustcomplywith,regardless
oflocation.Ofcourseyoumayalsohave
additionalpoliciesyouneedtoadhereto
thatarespecifictoyourroleoryourlocal
market.
• Enables performance, balancing task,
people & results
• Builds capacity through growing talent
& skills, high performing diverse teams
and a lean & effective organisation
What are the consequences of not
complying?
Thereareveryseriousconsequencesfor
notcomplyingwithourCodeofConduct.
Wemaytakedisciplinaryactionandeven
dismisspeoplewherenecessary.
What does this mean for me?
Weexpectyouto:
• Behaveinanethicalmanner,taking
prideinyouractionsanddecisions
• Complywiththeprinciplesandrulesin
ourCodeofConductandfulfilyourlegal
andregulatoryobligations
• UnderstandTheVodafoneWayand
applyourBusinessPrinciplesto
your work
• Speak Up if you feel a working practice
isnotethicalorsafeorifitbreachesour
CodeofConduct.
Following the law
Vodafoneoperatesinmorethan25
countries.OurCodeofConductcannot
coverallofthelawsandregulationsin
allofthosecountries.Alwaysbefamiliar
withtherelevantlawsandregulations
thatapplywhereyouwork.Ifthere
isadifferencebetweenalocallegal
requirementandourCode,applythe
moststringentstandard.Ifinanydoubt,
contact your line manager, Legal, HR, or
Complianceteam.
If you are a line manager, you have an
important role in ensuring our Code
of Conduct is understood and applied
by your team. In particular, we expect
you to:
• BearolemodelforDoingwhat’sright
• Ensureyourteammembersare
familiarwithourCodeandthatthey
understandit
• Holdyourteammembersaccountable
forcomplyingwithourCode.
If you are ever unsure about what
to do you should ask yourself:
• Isitlegal?
• Doesitfeelright?AmIbeingfair
andhonest?
•Willmyactionstandthetestof
time?
•HowwillIfeelaboutitafterwards?
•Howwoulditlookonthefrontpage
ofthenewspaper?
•CouldIjustifyittomyfamily?
Ifyouanswer‘no’or‘I’mnotsure’
toanyofthesequestionsthenyou
shouldseeksupport.Youcanspeak
toyourlinemanageroranother
colleagueyoutrust,theymightbe
abletogiveyoutheguidanceand
adviceyouneed.Youcanalsoask
yourlocalComplianceteam.
7
8
Our Business Principles
Individual conduct
Communications
Environment
Weactwithhonesty,integrityandfairness
inourdealingsbothinternallyand
externally.Wedonottolerateanyform
ofbribery,includingimproperoffersof
paymentsorgiftstoorfromemployees.
Weavoidanycontractsthatmightleadto,
orsuggest,aconflictofinterestbetween
personalactivitiesandthebusiness.
Weneithergivenoraccepthospitality
orgiftsthatmightappeartoincuran
obligation.Wepursuemutuallybeneficial
relationshipsandseektopromotethe
applicationofourBusinessPrincipleswith
ourbusinesspartnersandsuppliers.
Wecommunicateopenlyandtransparently
withallourstakeholderswithinthe
boundsofcommercialconfidentiality.
Weprotectconfidentialinformationfrom
improperdisclosure,andanyauthorised
communicationofconfidentialinformation
shouldbelimitedtoindividualswhoneedit
tocarryouttheirwork.
Wecommittoprotectingtheenvironment.
Weminimiseouruseoffiniteresources
(suchasenergy,waterandrawmaterials)
andthereleaseofharmfulemissions
totheenvironment(includingwaste,
airemissionsanddischargestowater).
Weseektoimprovetheenvironmental
performanceoftheproductsandservices
weprovide,aswellassupportthosethat
offerenvironmentalandsocialbenefitsto
ourcustomers.
Compliance with the law
Employees
Wecomplywiththeprovisionsofall
applicabledomesticandinternationallaws
andappropriatestandardsandprinciples.
Health and safety
Weprotectthehealth,safetyandwellbeing
ofourcustomers,employees,partnersand
thecommunitiesinwhichweoperateand
discloseanyinformationthatcomesto
ourknowledgethatclearlydemonstrates
thatanyofourproductsorservicesbreach
internationallyacceptedsafetystandards
orguidelines.
Financial integrity
Weprovidethebestpossiblereturnfor
ourshareholdersoverthelongerterm.We
baseourinvestmentdecisions,acquisitions
andbusinessrelationshipsoneconomic
criteriabutwealsotakeintoaccountsocial
andenvironmentalconsiderations.
Customers
Wevaluethetrustourcustomersplace
inusandsafeguardtheinformation
providedtous.
Webaserelationshipswithandbetween
employeesonrespectforindividualsand
theirhumanrightsanddonottolerate
childlabour.Wedonotacceptanyform
ofdiscrimination,harassmentorbullying.
Wepursueequalityofopportunityand
inclusionforallemployeesthroughour
employmentpoliciesandpractices.
Communities and society
Weengagewithlocalcommunitiesto
helpusunderstandandrespondtoany
concernstheymayhave,forexamplein
relationtonetworkdeployment.Wealways
provideourstakeholderswithaccessto
correct, relevant and current information
andbuildtrustthroughintegrity,
transparency,honestyandobjectivity.
Weinvestinsocietyinawaythatmakes
effectiveuseofourresources,including
supportforcharitableorganisations.
Public policy
Wevoiceouropinionsongovernment
proposalsandothermattersthatmay
affectVodafoneandourstakeholders.
Wedonotmakegiftsordonationsto
politicalpartiesorinterveneinparty
politicalmatters.
“Weactwithhonesty,integrity
andfairnessinourdealingsboth
internallyandexternally.”
9
Watch the video
Speak Up page
Preferred contact:
Speak Up
Ifyouseebehaviouratworkwhichyoufeel
maybeabreachofourCodeofConduct
orseemsillegalorunethical,pleasereport
it.Youmustreportanybehaviourwhich
yoususpecttobeunlawfulorcriminal.This
couldbebribery,fraud,pricefixing
orabreachofdataprivacy.
Youmustalsoreportabuseofour
systems,processesorpolicies.Thiscould
bebullyingorharassment,aconflictof
interest,dangertothehealthandsafety
ofemployeesorthepublic,potential
abusesofhumanrightsorserious
environmentalissues.
Vodafonehasanon-retaliationpolicy
forwhenagenuineconcernhasbeen
reported.Noactionwillbetakenagainst
youifyoureportsuchconcerns,evenif
thereisnoprovenunlawfulconductof
compliancebreach.
–Yourlinemanager
– Local HR team
I am a contractor working
on a Vodafone contract and
I have a concern to report.
Can I use the external
Speak Up line?
A: Yes.TheexternalSpeakUp
lineisfortheuseofemployees
andcontractorsaswellas
suppliers,businesspartners,
jointventurepartnersand
agentsofVodafone.
Q: I am concerned that my
colleagues will find out if
I raise a concern. Will it be
kept confidential?
A:Protectingtheidentity
ofinnocentpeopleisour
priority.Vodafonewillnot
tolerateretaliationagainst
anemployeewhoraisesa
genuineconcern.Wewillkeep
whatyoutellusprivateand
confidentialthroughoutthe
investigationprocess,subject
toourlegalobligations.
Anonymousreportingis
availableinmostmarkets
throughourexternalSpeak
Upline.
Q: What if I report
something suspicious
that turns out not to be a
compliance breach?
A:Thisisfineaslongasyour
reportwasmadebecauseofa
genuineconcern.
Q: I have a concern about
the actions of a colleague.
How should I report this?
A: The most important thing is
that you report your concern.
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter
which route you choose. If
you feel comfortable talking
to your line manager, do that.
Your line manager is there to
support you and can help you
choose the correct course
of action.
What does this mean for me?
What happens next?
Therearethreewaystospeakup:
Thestepsbelowoutlinewhatwedowhen
someoneraisesaconcern:
1 Report it to your line manager:
Weknowitisnotalwayseasytoraise
yourconcerns.Tomakeiteasier,wehave
anopencommunicationspolicysowe
encourageyoutodiscussanyissuesor
potentialissuesthatconcernyouwith
yourlinemanager.
2 Report it to your local HR team:
Ifit’snotappropriatetodiscusstheissue
withyourlinemanager,youshoulddiscuss
thematterwithyourlocalHRteam.
3 Report it confidentially to our
external Speak Up hotline:
Youmaywanttoreportyourconcern
tosomeonewhoisfurtherremovedfrom
thesituation.Theremaybeoccasions
whenreportingaconcerninternallyis
notappropriateordoesn’tfeellikethe
rightapproach.Everyoneworkingforor
withVodafonehasaccesstoanexternal
reportingmechanism:
• Whenyouraiseaconcern,adecisionwill
bemadeastowhichareawillprogress
thematter:HumanResources,Corporate
SecurityorLegalteamsortheGroup
equivalents
•Wewillthencontactthepersonraising
theconcern(thiscanbedonethrough
external Speak Up line by providing an
accesspin)toensurewehaveallthe
informationweneedandtalkthrough
ournextsteps
• Ifwedecidetoproceedwithan
investigation,aqualifiedexpertwill
investigate,keepingthepersonwho
raisedtheconcerninformedthroughout
theprocess
• Wewillkeeptransparentandaccurate
recordsofalldisclosuresand
subsequentactions.
10
11
Preferred contact:
Individual conduct
Security of our people,
property and information
– Corporate Security team
Followthesesimplestepstosafeguardand
protecttheinformationprovidedtous:
1 Value information and
classify it
Vodafonehandlesvastamountsof
informationeveryday.Thesystemsand
networkswhichholdourcustomers’and
employees’datamustbesecure.
3 Protect your password
• Becarefulwhenopeningattachments
fromunknownaddresses
• Onlyuseauthorisedsoftware
• C4VodafoneSecret:criticalinformation
thatcouldaffectourshareprice
• Donotclicklinkswhichmaytakeyou
tounsafewebsites
Theinformationweuse(whetherwritten
orspoken,digitalorphysical)needstobe
protectedsothatwecanbesureofits:
• C3VodafoneConfidential:sensitive
informationthatwillonlybesharedona
need-to-knowbasis
Confidentiality:ourinformationisnot
disclosedtounauthorisedpeople.
• C2VodafoneRestricted:day-todayinformationthatwesharewith
colleaguesandauthorisedthirdparties
• Donotuseoursystemsforanything
obscene,indecent,offensive,
defamatory,illegalorotherwise
inappropriatefortheworkplace.
Integrity:ourinformationisaccurate,
completeandauthentic.
• C1VodafonePublic:informationwe
sharewiththepublic–althoughthis
stillrequiresExternalCommunications
approval.
Availability:ourinformationisaccessible
whenweneedit.
2 Clear your desk and lock your
screen
• Lockyourscreenifyouleaveyour
computerunattendedandensure
classifiedinformationissecurelystoredif
youleaveyourdesk
4 Think before you click
• Becarefulwhenopeningattachments
fromunknownaddresses
• Onlyuseauthorisedsoftware
• Donotclicklinkswhichmaytakeyou
tounsafewebsites
• Donotuseoursystemsforanything
obscene,indecent,offensive,
defamatory,illegalorotherwise
inappropriatefortheworkplace.
5 Protect data at all times
• Switchoffyourcomputerattheendof
thedayandlocklaptopsaway
• AlwaysdisplayyourIDpasswhen
youareonVodafonepremises
• Clearyourdeskwhenyouleavefor
theday
• Alwayslookafterlaptopsandother
workequipmentwhenyouarenot
intheoffice
• Storeclassifiedinformationcorrectly
anddisposeofitsecurelywhenitisno
longerneeded.
• Avoidleavingoriginaldocuments
inprintersorphotocopiers
• Use‘secureprinting’.
Q: A colleague is covering
my role while I am on
holiday and needs access
to the systems I use. It’s a
lot of hassle to get them a
log-in and password, can I
just give them mine?
A: No.Youshouldnevergive
yourlogindetailstoother
people.Weneedtokeep
accuraterecordsofwho
hasaccesstooursystems.
Everyonewhohasaccess
tooursystemsmustbe
authorised.
Q: I’m working from home
and I’m having problems
accessing the Vodafone
network. Can I ask my
colleague to send me the
information I need to my
personal email account?
A:No.Informationsentto
personalemailaccountsis
notprotectedinthesame
wayastheinformationonthe
Vodafonenetwork.Youshould
neversendinformationtoa
personalaccountoruploadit
ontoapersonalcomputeror
otherdevice.
Q: Can I allow my visitor to
make his/her own way out
of the building?
A:No.Anyvisitorsthatyou
inviteontoVodafonepremises
areyourresponsibility.
Superviseyourvisitorsatall
timesanddonotshareorloan
youraccesscard.
“Wevaluethetrustourcustomers
placeinusandwillsafeguard
theinformationprovidedtous.”
12
13
14
Preferred contact:
–Yourlinemanager
– Local HR team
Avoiding conflicts of interest
Ifyoufindyourselfinapositionwhereyourpersonalandbusiness
interestspotentiallycomeintoconflict,youarerequiredtodeclare,
obtainapprovalandregisterthesepotentialconflictsofinterests.
Tohelpyoudecidewhetheryouarefacingaconflictofinterest,
imagineyouareexplainingyouractionstofriends,acolleagueor
themediaandconsiderwhetheryouwouldfeelcomfortable.
Herearesomeexamplesofactual
conflicts of interest,whichmustbe
avoidedorimmediatelyresolved:
• Anyoutsidebusinessactivitythat
detractsfromyourabilitytodevote
appropriate time and attention
toyourresponsibilitieswithin
Vodafone
• Recruiting or managing a relative
or partner
• Recruitinganindividualduetotheir
significantpoliticalconnections
whichyouintendtoleveragefor
Vodafone’sbenefit
Q: I work part-time in my
family business. Do I need
to declare an interest?
A: Yes.Evenifthebusiness
isnotrelatedtoVodafone.
Insomecountriesthereare
restrictionsonthenumberof
hoursyoucanwork.Breaching
theserulesmightaffectyour
healthandthequalityofyour
work.Itcouldalsoresultina
fineforVodafone.
• Apersonalinterestinasupplier,
customerorcompetitorwhich
influencesyourdecisionsatwork
• UsingVodafoneresourcesfor
politicalactivities
What does this mean for me?
Weexpectyouto:
• ActinVodafone’sbestinterests,
recognisingpotentialconflictsofinterest
• Discussconcernswithyourlinemanager
andregisteranypotentialconflict
ofinterest
• Removeyourselffrombusinessareas
whereyouhaveapersonalinterest
• Notmakepoliticaldonationsin
Vodafone’sname
• CheckwithlocallawsandVodafone
requirementsbeforemaking
investments.
Tell your local manger and
HR team about:
• Anyotheremploymentyouundertake
orboardmemberships
• Closerelationshipswithpeopleinyour
reportingchain
Herearesomeexamplesofpotential
conflicts of interest,whichare
situationsthatrequireyoutoagree
awayofensuringtheconflictdoes
notmaterialise,obtainapprovaland
registertheinterest:
• Boardmembership(byyourselfor
acloserelative)ofanenterprise
customerorsupplier
• Otheremployment
• Acloserelationshipwithasenior
managerofacompetitororsupplier
• Workinginthesamedepartmentas
yourpartnerorcloserelative
• Amaterialfinancialinterest(by
yourselforacloserelative)ina
supplierorenterprisecustomer.
Ifyou’reunsureifyourinterestis
materialconsultyourlocalHRteam
• Closerelationshipswithpeoplegoing
throughtherecruitmentortender
process,ifyouhaveanyinfluence
overthedecisionstorecruitoraward
a contract
• Closerelationshipswithpeoplewho
workforcompetitors,majorcustomers,
suppliersorotherbusinesspartners.
Thisisparticularlyimportantifyouhave
accesstosensitiveinformation.
What to do if you see yourself
in a situation of potential
conflicts of interest:
Step 1Declareyourpotentialconflictof
interestbyinformingyourlinemanager
andHRbusinesspartner.
Step 2 Agreehowitwillbemanagedand
gettheapprovalfromyourlinemanager
andlocalHRteam.
Step 3 Registerthesituationonlinesoyou
andthecompanyareprotected.
Q: A close friend is
applying for a job in
Vodafone, is this OK?
A:Weencourageyouto
recommendVodafoneasa
greatplacetowork.However,
youmustensurethatyou
arenotinvolvedinthe
recruitmentprocessandthe
jobroleinquestionisnot
reportingtoyou.
15
Preferred contact:
–Yourlinemanager
– Local Legal team
“Youmustalwaysobservelocal
lawsandregulationsforgivingand
receivinggiftsandhospitality.”
Gifts and hospitality
Wesupportthereasonableand
proportionate giving and receiving of
hospitalityaspartofanormalbusiness
relationship.However,weprohibitthe
givingorreceivingofanygiftsorhospitality
thatareexcessiveorimproper.
Weneedtoensurethatwearenever
influencedby,orseektoinfluencethrough,
theprovisionofgiftsorhospitality.For
example,wedonotgiveorreceivegiftsor
hospitalityduringatenderprocessorwhen
signinganewdeal.
TheCorporateGiftsandHospitalityPolicy
Standardoutlinestheprinciplesweall
needtofollow,includingtherequirements
forgainingapprovalandregistering
itemsgivenorreceived.Youshould
alsoconsultyourlocaltravelpolicyfor
detailsofclaimableexpenses,available
ontheintranet.
Wealsohaveadditionalapprovalprocesses
forgivingorreceivinggiftsorhospitalityto
PublicOfficials.
What does this mean for me?
• Youshouldnever:
–giveoracceptanygiftsorhospitality
of inappropriate value
–giveoracceptanygiftsorhospitality
duringatenderprocess
–giveoracceptanycashorcash
equivalent
–askforgiftsorhospitality
•Thegivingorreceivingofgiftsshould
be rare
• Thinkaboutthecontextofthegiftor
hospitality:imaginehowitmightlook
tosomeoneoutsideVodafoneoronthe
frontpageofthenewspaper
•IfthegiftorhospitalityinvolvesaPublic
Official,pleaseconsultwithyourlocal
Legalteamasyoumayneedadditional
approval from Group
•KnowandunderstandtheGiftsand
HospitalityPolicyinyourmarket
•Seekapprovalandrecordgiftsor
hospitalitywhererequiredby
yourpolicy.
16
Q: I’ve been invited out
to dinner by a potential
supplier currently bidding
for a new contract. What
should I do?
A:Youshoulddecline.Itis
inappropriatetogoforlunch/
dinneroranyotherhospitality
eventwithasupplierduringa
tenderprocessorrequestfor
proposalprocess.
Q: I’ve been sent a high
value gift by a supplier
and don’t want to cause
offence by returning it.
What should I do?
A:Itisimportantthatyou
notify your line manager and
seekguidancefromyourlocal
HRorLegalteam.Ideallyyou
shouldpolitelyrefuseand
returnthegift.Ifthisisnot
possiblethentheitemshould
bedonatedtocharity.
Q: My travel costs into the
office are expensive. Can I
claim some of it back?
A: Normaltravelintoyour
placeofworkcan’tbe
reclaimed.Theremaybe
exceptionsforoutofhours
working;checkyourlocal
policyfordetails.
Travel and expenses
Yourlocaltravelandexpensespolicysets
outtherulesyouneedtofollow.Itcontains
alltherelevantinformation,includingalist
ofapprovedhotels,andinstructionson
howtouseourdesignatedtravelagency
andhowtobookonline.
Travelandaccommodationbookings
madethroughotherchannelswillnot
bereimbursed.
Whenplanningyourtravel,trytofindthe
rightbalancebetweenbusinessneed,
environmentalimpact,financialcostand
yourhealthandwell-being.
What does this mean for me?
Weexpectyouto:
• Followyourlocalpolicyrulesontravel
andexpenses
• Bookanappropriateclassoftraveland
ahotelfromourpre-approvedlist
• Haveacostconsciousapproachand
onlyclaimreasonableandnecessary
expensesforbusinesspurposes
• Consideryourimpactonthe
environmentanduseweb/video/
audiofacilitiesinsteadoftravelling
whenpossible
• Gettheappropriateapprovalsfor
yourexpenses
• Providetherightevidenceforyour
expenseclaims.
Managing our information
and documents
Ifthereisnobusinessreasonorlegal
requirementfordocumentstobe
retainedtheyshouldbedestroyedinan
environmentallyfriendlyway.Keeping
informationlongerthannecessaryonly
increasesourneedforstoragefacilities.
What does this mean for me?
Weexpectyouto:
• Complywiththeproceduresrelevant
toyou,whicharesetoutinyour
local Management and Retention
ofDocumentsPolicyStandard
• Onlykeepdocumentsforaslong
asyourlocaldocumentretention
schedulerequires.
Q: Can I claim expenses
for my partner or spouse
to travel with me?
A: Taking your partner, friend
or family member on a
businesstripisnotaclaimable
expense.Theonlyexception
iscertaininternational
assignmentswherewedooffer
supportwithtravelcosts.
Q: I think I am going to
retain all my documents, in
case they are needed in the
future. Is that OK?
A: Youneedtobeselective.
Somedocumentsdoneedto
be retained for audit, tax or
legalpurposes.Forexample,
documentsrelevanttoan
investigationorlitigation
shouldbekeptuntilthe
investigationorlitigation
iscompletelyresolved.By
contrast,aninvitationtoa
meetingthathasalready
takenplaceisanexampleofa
documentyoushoulddestroy.
17
Watch the video
Preferred contact:
Compliance
with the law
– Local Legal team
Insider dealing
Competition laws
Inmanycountriesitisillegalforpeople
toprofitfrominsiderdealing.Thismeans
usinginformationwhichisnotgenerally
available,butwhichyouhaveaccess
toasaresultofyourjoborbusiness
relationships,toinformthepurchaseor
saleofsharesorsecurities.
Webelieveinfreeandfaircompetition.
Mostmarketswhereweoperatehave
lawsdesignedtoprotectfreeandfair
competition.
Suchinformationcouldhaveanimpacton
thevalueofthosesharesorsecuritiesifit
wasmadepublic.Thetradingofsecurities
orthemanipulationofsharepricesbased
oninformationwemayhaveasresultof
workingforVodafoneisprohibited.
Theserulesapplyevenafteryoustop
workingforVodafone.
What does this mean for me?
Insidertradingresultsinseverepenalties
inmostcountrieswithparticipantsfacing
eitheraheavyfine,aprisonsentenceor
both.Sopleasediscussanyconcernsor
queriesyouhavewiththeGroupCorporate
Secretariatteam.
Weexpectyouto:
•Notbuy,sellorotherwisedealin
Vodafonesecuritiesifyouhaveinside
information
•Notsellorotherwisedealinany
securitiesofanycompanyifyouhave
insideinformation
•Notpassinsideinformationtothird
parties.Thisisnotonlyabreachof
confidentialitybutyoumayalsobe
committing an offence
18
Q: My friend is thinking
about selling some
Vodafone shares in the
next few days. I know
Vodafone is due to make
an announcement that will
have a positive impact on
the share price. Is it okay if I
drop hints to my friend that
he should wait to sell?
A:No.Youshouldneverleak
informationaboutVodafone’s
businesswhichisnotpublicly
available.Neithershould
youuseinsideinformation
toinfluencetheinvestment
decisionsofothers.
Q: My colleague sent
me an email containing
information about a
competitor which could
easily be misinterpreted.
What should I do?
Theselawsforbidarrangementswith
competitorsthataffecttradinginthe
marketandcanapplybothtoVodafone
andotherorganisations.
Youshouldneverseek,acceptordiscuss
confidentialinformationwithcompetitors.
Anti-competitivepracticescandamage
ourbusiness.Youshouldneverencourage
customers,suppliersorformeremployees
ofcompetitorstoprovideinformationthat
theyshouldkeepconfidential.
1 Have a basic knowledge of how the
competition rules apply to you
Herearesomeexamplesofanticompetitivepractices:
•Sharingsensitiveinformationwith
competitors(suchasprices,costsand
salesvolumes)
•Agreeingwithcompetitorstofixthe
priceofproductsorservices,including
discounts,rebatesandcommissions
•Agreeingwithcompetitorstodivide
certainaccounts,regionsandmarkets
betweenus
•Agreeingwithresellersanddistributors
tofixtheminimumresalepriceof
productsorservicesatretailchannels.
2 Always be vigilant in your business
dealings with third parties
Inparticular,rememberthat:
•Anti-competitivepracticesinclude
informalagreementsandsharingof
informationwithcompetitors,aswell
asformalcontracts
•Itisnotalwaysobviouswhoour
competitorsare.Someofoursuppliers,
customersandbusinesspartners
competewithusincertainmarkets.
Inparticular,manyofourdistributors
aredirectcompetitorsofourown
retailchannels.
3 If in doubt, ask your local
Legal team.
What does this mean for me?
ToensurethatVodafonecompliesfully
withcompetitionlawsandthatwecan
identifyanypotentialbreaches,please
followthethreestepsbelow:
A:Youshouldadviseyour
colleaguethathe/sheshould
notwriteanythingthatcanbe
misinterpreted.Anythingwe
write(orsay)canbeusedas
legalevidence.Infact,emails
arethemostcommonformof
legalevidence.
Q: While at a conference, a
sales director from another
company started talking
to me about the economic
outlook in Europe and what
this meant for our data
pricing plans for the future.
What should I do?
A:Stoptheconversationand
walkaway.Youshouldnot
discussanyofourpricing
orconfidentialcommercial
informationwithanyofour
competitors.
“Wecomplywiththeprovisionsofallapplicable
domesticandinternationallawsandappropriate
standardsandprinciples.”
19
Preferred contact:
– Local Legal team
Bribery and improper
payments
Thelawprohibitsbriberyineverykindof
commercialsetting.Wearecommittedto
counteringallformsofbribery.
Abribecancomeinmanyforms.
Facilitationpaymentsandkickbacksare
examplesofbribery.Givingoraccepting
giftsandhospitalitymightalsobebribery
incertainsituations.
What does this mean for me?
Weexpectyouto:
•Becautiouswhengivingorreceiving
giftsorentertainment,especiallywhen
aPublicOfficialisinvolved.SeetheGifts
andhospitality(refertopage15)section
for more information
•Beawarethatevencharitabledonations
canbeseenasbribesifpaymentsare
madetofacilitateaprocessorsecure
a commercial advantage
•Refusetopayfacilitationpayments
•Ifindoubt,askyourComplianceteam.
•Ensurethatallgiftsandentertainment
are permitted by local law
Ourfinancialservicesproducts,like
M-Pesa,havemanysocialbenefitsandare
improvingfinancialinclusioninmanyof
ourmarkets.Itisvitalthatthesebenefits
arenotcompromisedbythesameservices
beingabusedforcriminalpurposes.
Wetakearobustapproachtothe
prevention, detection and reporting of
moneylaunderingandterroristfinancing.
Wehaveappropriaterisk-basedsystems
andcontrolsinplaceonourfinancial
productsincludingcustomerduediligence,
sanctionlistscreening,transaction
monitoring,suspiciousactivityreporting,
employee training, and compliance
monitoring,toensurethatwearemeeting
ourcomplianceobligations.
•BeawarethatVodafonemaybeliablefor
theactionsofthirdparties
Facilitationpaymentsareillegal.Vodafone
willnottoleratethemunlessanemployee’s
personalsafetyisatrisk,inwhichcasethe
mattershouldbereportedtoyourlocal
Legalteamassoonaspossible.
Manycountriesprohibittheofferingor
givinganythingofvaluetoPublicOfficials
inordertoinfluencetheiractions.One
ofthewayswemakesurethisdoes
nothappenisbynotmakingpolitical
donations.
Allemployees,includingcontractors,are
requiredtoreportanysuspicionofmoney
launderingtotheirlocalmarketorGroup
MoneyLaunderingReportingOfficer.
Localwaysofworkingarenotanexception
totheserules.Theserulesapplynotonly
toVodafoneemployeesbutalsotoanyone
authorisedtoactonbehalfofthecompany
orrepresentit,suchasagents,advisors,
representativesorintermediaries.
“Youmust
never offer or
accept any
formofbribe.”
Anti-money laundering
Q: I am travelling abroad
later this month and need
to get a work visa quickly.
The person processing my
request at the embassy has
said that they can speed up
the process if I pay a small
fee in cash. Is this okay?
A:No.Thissoundslikea
facilitationpayment,whichis
aformofbriberyandisillegal.
Ifthispaymentisastandard
orofficialfee–suchaspart
ofapubliclyavailablefasttrackservice–thenitisOKto
proceed.However,eventhen
youshouldconsultyourlocal
Legal department for advice
first,asyoumaybeputting
yourselfandVodafoneatrisk
ofprosecution.
Q: Why does Vodafone
need to comply with
anti-money laundering
regulations – I thought it
was aimed at banks?
A:Vodafoneoffersfinancial
servicesinsomelocal
markets,suchastheM-Pesa
product,whichbringsusinto
thescopeofanti-money
launderingregulations.
Q: I have seen a
transaction that doesn’t
seem right – I’m not sure
if it is money laundering, it
may be legitimate – what
should I do?
A:Youdonotneedsolid
evidence to validate your
suspicion.Ifthereareany
groundstosuspectthe
transactionmaybelinked
totheproceedsofacrime,
youarerequiredtomakea
report to your local Money
LaunderingReportingOfficer.
Onceareporthasbeen
made,ensurethematteris
keptconfidential.
20
21
Preferred contact:
– Local Legal team
Global sanctions
TheEU,USandvariouscountrieshave
sanctionsinplacethatrestrictfinancial
dealingswithalargenumberofentities
throughouttheworld.
AsVodafoneGroupPlcisincorporatedin
theUK,UKandEUsanctionsarerelevant
toallmembersoftheVodafoneGroup,
nomatterwheretheyareincorporated.In
certaincircumstances,USsanctionsare
alsorelevant.MembersoftheVodafone
Groupmustalsocomplywiththesanctions
applicableinthejurisdictioninwhich
theyoperate.
What does this mean for me?
•FollowtheEconomicSanctionsGlobal
PolicyStandardwhenenteringintoa
relationship,agreementortransactionof
any kind
•Ensurethatallpartiesinvolvedina
transactionarescreenedagainstthe
relevantsanctionlists
•Consultwithyourlocalsanctionscontrol
manager or local team immediately if
youareaskedtodealwithasanctioned
orrestrictedcountry,entityorindividual.
WehaveaglobalEconomicSanctions
PolicyStandardandsupporting
programmetoensurecompliancewith
applicablesanctionslegislation.
Trade controls
TheEU,USandvariouscountrieshave
tradecontrolsinplacewiththeaimof
maintainingorrestoringinternational
peaceandsecurity.Thesetradecontrols
restrictandcontroltheflowofgoods,
technology(whetherinphysicalor
electronicform),know-howandservices
fromonecountrytoanother,tospecified
entitiesorforaspecificend-use.
Tradecontrolsarerelevanttoall
membersoftheVodafoneGroup,butin
particularthosethatareinvolvedin(i)the
developmentoftechnology;(ii)theexport
ofVodafone-developedtechnology;and
(iii)there-exportofanyproductsand
technologyVodafonehasacquiredfrom
thirdpartysuppliers.
WehaveaglobalTradeControlsPolicy
Standardandsupportingprogrammeto
ensurecompliancewhenexportingor
re-exportingproductsandtechnology
suppliedbythirdpartiesordeveloped
byin-house.
What does this mean for me?
Q: I am selecting a new
supplier through the
Vodafone Procurement
Company, do I need to
screen against sanction
lists?
A:No,theon-boardingprocess
coversthis.
Q: I have discovered that
one of the Vodafone
products that requires an
export license does not
have one. What shall I do?
A: Contact
groupexportcontrols@
vodafone.comorreportthis
incidenttothelocalLegal
team.
•Priortotheexportorre-exportofany
product,technologyorservice,identify
whethersuchitemisatradecontrolled
itemandverifyifthecountryofdelivery
recipientorenduseissubjectto
tradecontrols
•Alwaysobtainanynecessaryexport
licenseandauthorisation
• If in doubt, contact your local
Legalteam.
Health and safety
WeexpecteveryoneatVodafoneto
behaveinasafeandresponsiblemannerat
alltimes.Wewillintervenequicklyifhealth
orsafetyisevercompromised.
Itisonlythroughcollectiveresponsibility
thatwecanensurethatourproductsand
servicesaresafeforourcustomerstouse.
Watch the video
Preferred contact:
–LocalHealthandSafetyteam
–Yourlinemanager
“Weprotectthehealth,safety
andwellbeingofourcustomers,
employees,partnersandthe
communitiesinwhichweoperate.”
What does this mean for me?
Weexpectyouto:
•AbidebytheAbsoluteRulesatalltimes
•Intervenequicklyifyouseesomeone
behavingunsafely
•Considerhowyourdecisionsandactions
willaffectthehealthandsafetyofothers
•Nevercompromisehealthandsafety.
Absolute Rules
Wealwaysdrivesafelyandlegally:
wealwayswearaseatbelt.
Wealwaysdrivesafelyandlegally:
wealwaysobeythespeedlimit.
Wealwaysdrivesafelyandlegally:
weneveruseahandheldmobile
devicewhendriving.
Weneverworkunderthe
influenceofalcoholordrugs.
Nevercarryoutworkonany
electricalequipmentunless
you’requalified.
Whenworkingatheight,always
wearprotectivegear,attach
asafetyharnessandusefall
protectionequipment.
Neverundertakeanystreetor
undergroundworkactivities
unlesscompetenttodoso.
Q: You are travelling with
a new work colleague,
you get into a taxi at an
airport. As the taxi drives
off your colleague has
not put their seat belt on,
what should you do?
A:Remindthemofthe
AbsoluteRuleandwhyitis
importantfortheirsafety.
Ensuretheyfastentheir
seatbelt.
Q: I often think when I walk
through the office that I see
things that are potentially
dangerous, I don’t mean
things that are likely to kill
someone but could easily
cause injury. I am not sure
if I have the authority to
stop people and tell them
what they are doing is
dangerous?
A:EveryoneinVodafonehas
theauthoritytointervene
andstopsomethingthatis
dangerous.Thepersonmay
notrealisethatitisdangerous
untilyoupointitout.In
general,ifitlooksdangerousit
probablyis.
22
23
Watch the video
Preferred contact:
Financial integrity
Webaseourinvestmentdecisions,
acquisitionsandbusinessrelationships
oneconomiccriteriabutwillalsotake
intoaccountsocialandenvironmental
considerations.
Financial integrity
24
–Yourlinemanager
– Local Legal team
–LocalSupplyChainteam
“Weprovidethebestpossible
returnforourshareholders
overthelongerterm.”
Committing to contracts
and expenditure
YoumustnotcommitVodafonetoa
contractorincurexpenseswithout
appropriateauthorisation.
Vodafoneneedslegallybindingcontracts,
withagreedtermsandconditionsbefore
itcommitsitsresources.Withoutthese
agreementsVodafoneisopentofinancial,
commercial,taxandlegalrisks.
Youshouldonlyeverspendcompany
moneywherethereisalegitimate
businessneedandwherethecostisworth
thebenefit.Youshouldknowthelocal
expenditurelimitsandfinancialpolicies
whichdirectlyapplytoyourrole.
TheDelegationofAuthority(DoA)shows
whatlevelofauthorityyouneedbefore
youcancommitVodafonetoacontract
orexpense.Everyoneisexpectedto
understandhowtheDelegationof
Authorityrulesapplytotheirwork.
Ourmanagershaveanextradutytoensure
thattheirteamsmanagebudgetswelland
spendcompanymoneycarefully.Seethe
‘Committingtocontractsandexpenditure’
sectionformoreinformationabout
approvalsandsignoff.
What does this mean for me?
WeexpectyoutocommitVodafoneonly
whereyou:
Whenassessingvalueformoney,itis
importanttoconsider:quality,service,
reliability,sustainability,compliancewith
ourCodeofEthicalPurchasingandany
termsandconditions.
• Areauthorisedtodosoinaccordance
withyourlocalapprovalprocess
• Havesoughtlegalandotherrelevant
advicewhereappropriate
What does this mean for me?
• Havecarefullyreviewedthecontract,
understooditstermsanddecidedthat
enteringintoitisinVodafone’s
bestinterests.
Weexpectyouto:
•Understandandapplythefinanceand
expensepoliciesthatarerelevantto
your role
Operating a responsible
supply chain
•Strivetofindthebestvaluewhen
spendingcompanymoney
•Understandwhenyoucanandwhen
youcan’tcommitVodafone’sfunds
•Purchasegoodsandservicesonly
throughourregisteredsuppliers.
Q: I think my colleague
is regularly claiming taxi
fares for working after
hours but actually takes
public transport home.
What should I do?
A:Youshouldspeaktoyour
linemanagerinthefirst
instance.Alternatively,follow
theotherSpeakUproutesif
youfeelitismoreappropriate.
Webaseallofourprocurementonour
CodeofEthicalPurchasing.Wedothisto
responsiblymanagethewiderimpactour
businesshasoncommunities,societyand
theenvironment.
Wealsoexpectoursuppliesand
contractorstoactresponsibly.Wework
closelywitheachofthemtomakesure
theyfollowourrequirementsintheir
operationsandsupplychains.
Q: I have the power of
attorney to sign a contract
in my local market,
which is higher than the
allowance I have in the
Delegation of Authority.
Can I sign the contract as
I have power of attorney,
even if it’s not aligned
with Delegation of
Authority?
A:No.Youhavetocomply
withboththeDelegationof
AuthorityandyourPowerof
Attorney.Ideallybothshould
beconsistent.
Q: I have a supplier that
I suspect has breached
the Code of Ethical
Purchasing. What should
I do?
A:Youshouldreportthisto
yourlocalSupplyChainteam
immediately.Alternatively
youcanusetheSpeakUp
processtoescalateyour
concern.
Q: Where will I find out the
details of my Delegation
of Authority limits?
A:Youwillfindthe
DelegationofAuthorityon
ourintranet.
25
Preferred contact:
– Local Legal team
Protecting our brand
and other assets
Our brand
Wehaveoneoftheworld’smostvaluable
brands.Wemustprotectthisvaluableasset
byusingitconsistently.
YoucanhelpprotecttheVodafonebrand
byfollowingourbrandguidelinesandthe
BrandandMarketingCommunications
PolicyStandard.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
OurIPRisavaluableassetwhich
differentiatesusfromourcompetitors.
IfwefailtoprotectandrecordthisIPR,
welosetheasset.Weobtainpatentsto
protectourideasincludingtechnological
advances,newproductsandservices.
Eachofusisresponsibleforensuring
wemanageourIPRandpreventits
unauthoriseduse.Itisequallyimportant
thatwerespecttheIPRofothers.
Thiswillhelpensurethatourbrandis
wellmanaged,protectedandbuildstrust,
loyaltyandadmiration.
Itisafurtherresponsibilitythatweputin
placethecorrectlegalframeworkswith
ourpartnersandsuppliersthatsupportour
businessobjectivesandeffectivelymanage
thebenefitsandrisks.
What does this mean for me?
What does this mean for me?
Youareexpectedto:
Youareexpectedto:
•Complywithourbrandguidelinesand
BrandandMarketingCommunications
Policy Standard
•Whencreatingorcommissioning
productsorservices,ensurenewideas
areprotectedwithpatents
•Reportanysuspectedmisuseoftrade
marks,logosorotherVodafoneIPR
includingcounterfeitgoods
•Notdisclosenewideasorprojects
externallybeforeprotectingthe
relevant IPR
•Notallowanythirdpartiestouse
theVodafonebrandorlogowithout
discussingitfirstwithyourlocal
Legalteam.
•ImmediatelypassallIPRrelatedqueries
toyourlocalorGroupLegalteam.
Physical assets
KeepVodafonepropertysafeandsecure
atalltimes.DonotuseVodafoneproperty
forpersonalactivities,unlessithasbeen
authorised.
IfVodafoneequipment(including
passwords,accountdetailsorotherdata)is
lostorstolen,youshouldreportittoyour
localCorporateSecurityteam.
Q: Sometimes I see
products bearing the
Vodafone logo on a stall
at my local market. I think
they are counterfeit. Do I
need to let someone know?
A: Yes.Youshouldreport
yourconcernstoyourlocal
Legalteamandsendasmuch
informationaspossibleto
[email protected].
Itisimportantthatweprotect
ourbrandandreputation.You
maybeaskedtopurchasean
exampleoftheitemtohelp
theinvestigation.
Q: In my team we discuss
extensions for existing
products and services but
have not found a place to
capture our ideas. Does
such a place exist?
A:Yes–anideationtoolison
theintranetwhichmakesit
verysimpletoshareanidea,a
newconceptoraproposition.
Q: I’m not sure whether
an idea I’ve had might
be worth something.
Can I discuss it with our
suppliers to get their
views?
A: No.Youshouldinitially
discusstheideawithyour
team.Ifyouwantfurther
input,pleasecontact
your local Legal team
[email protected].
Public policy
Wevoiceouropinionsongovernment
proposalsandothermattersthatmay
affectVodafoneandourstakeholders.We
donotmakegiftsordonationstopolitical
partiesorinterveneinpartypolitical
matters.Theserulesalsoapplytoour
businessassociateswhenactingonour
behalfoforrepresentingus.
WebuildVodafone’sreputationthrough
proactiveengagementwithgovernment
policymakersandotherstakeholders
suchasthemedia,non-government
organisations,industryanalystsand
internationalinstitutions.
Vodafone’sleadersvoicetheiropinions
onimportantindustrymattersthataffect
ourbusiness.OurExternalAffairsand
Regulatoryteamsprovideaco-ordinated
responsetorelevantnewgovernment
proposals.
Allpublicstatementstothemedia,industry
analysts,stockbroker/institutionalanalysts
andshareholdersmustbeclearand
consistentandonlymadebyauthorised
personnel.
Q: A local reporter has
contacted me through a
mutual friend to ask me
about this year’s annual
report. Can I comment?
A:No.Youshouldexplain
thatyouarenotallowed
to comment publicly on
Vodafone’sbusiness.Instead,
offertoputthereporterin
touchwithyourlocalMedia
Relationsteam.
What does this mean for me?
Weexpectyou:
• Nottomakeanycommentsonbehalf
ofVodafoneunlessyouhaveprior
approval,inaccordancewiththePublic
andMediaRelationsPolicyStandard
Preferred contact:
26
–LocalExternalAffairsteam
• Nottouseyourpositiontoallowothers
touseresourcessuchasworktime,
telephones,communications,services
ormeetingroomstosupportany
political campaign, political party,
politicalcandidateoranyoftheir
affiliatedorganisations.
• NevertouseyourpositioninVodafone
totrytoinfluenceanyotherperson
(insideoroutsideofVodafone)tomake
politicalcontributionsorprovidesupport
toanypoliticalpartiesorpoliticians
• Nottomakeanycontributionsorincur
expensesusingaVodafoneaccount
for any political campaign, political
party,politicalcandidateoranyoftheir
affiliatedorganisations
“Wevoiceour
opinions.”
27
Preferred contact:
Communications
Wecommunicateopenlyandtransparently
withallourstakeholderswithinthebounds
ofcommercialconfidentiality.
Speaking on behalf
of Vodafone
Weprotectconfidentialinformationfrom
improperdisclosureandanyauthorised
communicationofconfidentialinformation
shouldbelimitedtoindividualswhoneedit
tocarryouttheirwork.
Wemustcommunicaterelevant
informationtoourteamsquicklyand
clearly.Internalcommunicationshould
alwaysbeprofessional,evenwhenitis
informal.
“Wewanttoempowerallof
ouremployeestobegood
ambassadorsforourbrand.”
Using social media
Wewanttoempowerallofouremployees
tobegoodambassadorsforourbrand.
However,wedon’twantyoutosay
anythingthatcouldhaveunintended
consequences.
What does this mean for me?
Nooneshouldmakecommentson
behalfofVodafoneunlesstheyhave
priorapproval,inaccordancewiththe
ExternalCommunicationsandInvestor
CommunicationsPolicyStandard.
Weexpectyouto:
• Ensureyourinternalandexternal
communicationsareprofessional,timely
and,whennecessary,approved
Wemustalwaysbeawarethatweare
allrepresentativesofVodafoneand
thatwhateverwedoandsayinpublic
representsthecompany.
• Actprofessionallywhenrepresenting
Vodafone,particularlywhenwearing
aVodafoneuniform,usingoneofour
vehiclesorattendingeventson
ourbehalf
• Makenostatementsthatcouldhave
anegativeimpactonVodafone’s
reputation or brand
“Provide clear
andhonest
information
atalltimes
in language
thatiseasyto
understand.”
• Makenopersonalcommentsthatcould
beinterpreted,evenmistakenly,as
acommentorendorsementmade
byVodafone
• Keepconfidentialinformation
confidential
• Releasenofinancialinformationor
informationaboutnewproductsor
serviceswithoutapproval–leaked,
incorrectormisleadingmessages
canseriouslyaffectthesuccessof
aproductorservice
Q: Am I allowed to say
where I work on my social
network profile?
A:Yes.Youcandiscloseon
your‘About’pageorbiothat
youareaVodafoneemployee.
Beclearaboutwhichpartof
theorganisationyou
representandwhatyour
responsibilitiesinclude.You
can include a link to your local
Vodafonewebsite.
28
– Local Internal
Communication team
–LocalExternal
Communication team
Q: There are a lot of
guidelines to follow when
using social media, can you
summarise them please?
A:Asageneralguideline;‘Be
yourself’,‘Usecommonsense’
and‘Respectthelaw’.
29
Preferred contact:
Customers
Our Privacy Commitments
Privacyiscentraltoearningandsustaining
trustinVodafone,andbeingaresponsible
andethicalcorporatecitizen.
Wealwaysconsidertheimpactour
decisionshaveontheprivacyofour
customersandemployees.Whenever
wedesignproducts,launchcampaigns,
signupvendors,collectinformationand
sharesuchinformationwithourpartners
andothers,weobserveandadhereto
Vodafone’sPrivacyCommitments,which
areasfollows:
30
–LocalPrivacyOfficer
Respect
Balance
What does this mean for me?
Wevalueprivacybecauseofitsvalue
topeople.It’saboutmorethanlegal
compliance–it’saboutbuildingaculture
thatrespectsprivacyandjustifiesthetrust
placedinus.
Whenwearerequiredtobalancethe
righttoprivacyagainstotherobligations
necessarytoafreeandsecuresociety,we
worktominimiseprivacyimpacts.
WemustallliveuptotheVodafonePrivacy
Commitments.Dependingonyourrole,
somecommitmentsmaybeparticularly
importantforyou.Forexample:
Laws and standards
Openness and honesty
Wecommunicateclearlyaboutactionswe
takethatmayimpactprivacy,weensure
ouractionsreflectourwords,andweare
opentofeedbackaboutouractions.
Wecomplywithprivacylaws,andwewill
workwithgovernments,regulators,policy
makersandopinionformersforbetter
andmoremeaningfulprivacylawsand
standards.
•Ifyouareinvolvedinmarketing,base
stationmanagementorbusiness
development,lookat:Openness&
HonestyandChoice
Choice
Accountability
Wegivepeopletheabilitytomakesimple
andmeaningfulchoicesabouttheir
privacy.
Weareaccountableforlivinguptothese
principlesthroughoutourcorporatefamily,
includingwhenworkingwithourpartners
andsuppliers.
Privacy by design
Respectforprivacyisakeycomponentin
thedesign,developmentanddeliveryof
ourproductsandservices.
• If you are involved in product
development,R&Dortechnology
andengineering,lookat:Openness&
Honesty,ChoiceandPrivacybyDesign
•Ifyourroleinvolvesworkingwith
governments,regulators,policymakers
andlawenforcement,lookat:Balance
andLaws&StandardsEveryoneshould
payparticularattentiontothefirstand
lastofourcommitments;Respectand
Accountability.Theyareespecially
relevanttoCEOsandGroupFunction
heads,whoareresponsibleformaking
sureVodafoneisruninaccordancewith
ourPrivacyCommitments.
Your local Privacy Officer
“Privacyiscentralto
earningandsustaining
trustinVodafone.”
YourPrivacyOfficerscanhelpyou
understandhowtoapplyourPrivacy
Commitments.Theycanexplain:
•WhatthePrivacyCommitmentsmean
for you and your team
•Particularprocessesandguidelinesyou
need to follow
•Howtogettrainingandwheretofind
othersupportmaterialsYoucanbecome
an advocate for privacy by joining our
PrivacyCommunity.
Q: I’m working on a
project involving a use of
customer information that
is not covered by law. Do
I still have to think about
privacy?
A: Yes.Ourfirstcommitmentis
torespectcustomers’privacy.
Regardlessofwhetherthereis
alawornot,everythingwedo
shouldbeconsistentwithour
PrivacyCommitments.
Q: I’ve been contacted
by the law enforcement
authorities in my country
with a request for access to
personal information. What
do I do?
A:Whilewemaybe
requiredbylawtorespond
to a Government or law
enforcementrequestfor
information,thereareother
requirementstoconsider.
Makesureyou’refamiliarwith
theneedtobalanceourlegal
obligationstorespondand
supportlawenforcement,with
respectforourcustomers’
humanrightsanddueprocess.
More information can be
found in our Privacy and Law
EnforcementPolicyStandard.
Q: I’m building a Vodafone
application that will use
personal information. How
do I make sure privacy is
protected – can I simply add
a privacy policy to the app?
A:No.Ourprivacybydesign
commitmentmeanswemake
sureprivacyisbuiltintoour
applicationsandservices,
notjustaddedon.Formore
information take a look at our
DesigningforPrivacyinMobile
Applicationsguidelinesand
otherguidanceonproduct
developmentinthePrivacy
Matterslibrary,ontheintranet.
31
Preferred contact:
Employees
– Local HR team
Diversity and inclusion
Preventing harassment
and bullying
Wepursueequalityofopportunityand
inclusionforallemployeesthroughour
employmentpoliciesandpractices.
Vodafonewillnottolerateharassment
orbullying.
Weaimtocreateaninclusiveenvironment
whereeveryonefeelsrespectedand
valuedandwherewecantrulydeliverour
promise-‘weareatourbest,whenyouare
atyours’.
Harassmentandbullyingcantakemany
formsandhaveseriousrepercussions.We
areallresponsibleforensuringthatthey
don’thappenatVodafone.
Wemayinstigatedisciplinaryorlegal
actionagainstpeoplewhoharassorbully
others.Wewilltreateachotherrespectfully
andchallengeanyunfairbehaviour.
Guidanceisavailableinyourlocal
HRpolicies.
Werecogniseandcelebratethe
importanceofdiversityinourworkspaces
soweareasdiverseasthecustomerswe
serve.Wewillnottolerateanyformof
discriminationespeciallyrelatedtobutnot
exclusivetoage,gender,disability,sexual
orientation,culturalbackgroundorbelief.
Webaserelationshipswithandbetween
employeesonrespectforindividualsand
theirhumanrights,andwillnottolerate
anyformofchildlabour.
Weexpectyouto:
•Buildtrustinyourteamsbytreating
everyonewithrespect
•Makesureallyourcommunication
abidesbythisCode,nomatterhow
informal you are being
•Neverbederogatoryorabusivetoor
aboutyourcolleagues
•SpeakUpifyouthinkacolleagueis
beingharassedorbullied.
What does this mean for me?
Weexpectyouto:
•ComplywithVodafone’sBusiness
PrinciplesandPolicyStandards
•Actfairlyandshowrespecttowards
othersinallyourdealings
•Understandyourresponsibilitiesunder
local law
•Raiseanyconcernsthroughyourlocal
HRteamortheSpeakUpprocess
•Baseanyemploymentdecisionyou
make purely on merit
“Weaimtocreatean
inclusiveenvironmentwhere
everyonefeelsrespected
andvaluedandwherewe
cantrulydeliverourpromise
-weareatourbest,when
youareatyours.”
What does this mean for me?
Wemustallchallengediscriminatory
behaviourwhenweseeit.Wewant
everyonetofeelabletoraiseanyconcerns.
Inthefirstinstance,pleasespeaktothe
individualsconcernedbeforeconsulting
yourlocalHRteamorgoingthroughthe
SpeakUpprocess.
•Challengediscriminatorybehaviour
32
“Wewillnot
accept any form
ofdiscrimination,
harassmentor
bullying.”
Q: A colleague is recruiting
a new team member. I am
concerned that they may
be discriminating against
certain candidates. Should I
challenge them?
A:Youarerighttoraiseyour
concernaswewillnottolerate
anyformofdiscrimination.
Urgeyourcolleaguetodiscuss
theselectioncriteriawith
theirlocalHRteam.Ifthereis
nochangethenyoushould
raisetheissueswithyourline
managerorlocalHRteam.
Q: I can see that one of
my colleagues is being
picked on constantly by
other team members. I
want to raise this but I am
concerned that it might be
my turn next. What should
I do?
A:Youshouldalways
challengeinappropriateor
unacceptablebehaviour.
Speak to your line manager
oryourlocalHRteam.Ifyou
do not feel comfortable doing
thisthenusetheSpeakUp
reportingline.
33
Q: My colleague regularly
arrives at work appearing
to be under the influence of
alcohol. I know he is having
difficulties at home. What
should I do?
A:Itisimportantthatyou
discusstheissuewithyourline
manager.Theuseofalcohol
islikelytobeaffectinghis
wellbeingandthequalityof
hiswork.Itislikelythatyour
colleagueneedshelpand
supportindealingwithhis
difficulties.
Communities
and society
Weaimtodeliverproductsandservices
thatcantransformpeople’slivesand
contributetomoresustainablelivingby
empoweringindividuals,contributingto
widerdevelopmentgoalsandreducing
environmentalimpacts.
Todothis,wemustoperateresponsibly
whereverwedobusinesstomaintainthe
trustofsociety.
Local communities
Throughbeingopenandhonest,
respectinglocalculturesandtraditions,
weaimtogainthetrustandsupportof
ourlocalcommunities.
Wealwayslistentotheconcernslocal
communitieshave,forexampleinrelation
tonetworkdeployment,andseekto
answerthequestionstheyraise.Wewill
beinclusiveandwillalwaysdoourbestto
makesurethateveryoneisheard.
Drugs and alcohol
Anyuse,saleordistributionofillegal
substanceswillbetreatedextremely
seriously.Pleasesupportyourcolleagues
byreportinganybreachesofthisCode
toyourlocalHRteam.Wewillprovide
supporttothoseaffectedbyproblemswith
alcoholordrugs.
What does this mean for me?
Weexpectyouto:
•Neverworkundertheinfluenceofillegal
drugsoralcohol
•Reportanyconcernsyouhaveabout
acolleague’suseofalcoholordrugs
to your local HR team
•Familiariseyourselfwithlocallaws,
culturesandcustomswhentravelling.
“Wewillnottolerateanyonebeing
undertheinfluenceofalcoholor
illegaldrugsintheworkplace.”
Preferred contact:
Q: My team wants to raise
money for a local charity,
are there any restrictions
on who to donate to?
A:Therearenorestrictionson
givingpersonaldonations.Any
donationsmadeonbehalfof
Vodafoneshouldalwaysbe
madethroughtheVodafone
Foundation.
Q: I thought human rights
were the government’s
responsibility? Why do I
have to worry about them?
A:Whilegovernmentshave
thesoledutytoprotect
thehumanrightsoftheir
citizens,itisgloballyaccepted
thatcompanieshavea
responsibilitytorespect
humanrights.Vodafoneworks
toensurewedonotinfringe
onhumanrightswherever
weoperate.
34
–VodafoneFoundation
Charitable support
What does this mean for me?
TheVodafoneFoundationprovidessupport
andsponsorshiptomanycommunitiesin
whichwework.
Weexpectyouto:
Werespectallinternationallyproclaimed
humanrights,includingtheInternational
BillofHumanRightsandtheprinciples
concerningfundamentalrightssetoutin
theInternationalLabourOrganization´s
DeclarationonFundamentalPrinciples
andRightsatWork.Westrivetoensure
thatwearenotcomplicitinhumanrights
abuses.Weshall,inallcontexts,seekways
tohonourtheprinciplesofinternationally
recognizedhumanrights,evenwhenfaced
withconflictingrequirements.Wearealso
committedtoimplementingtheUnited
NationsGuidingPrinciplesonBusinessand
HumanRightsthroughoutourbusiness
operations.
•Besensitivetoyourlocalcommunities
needs–listenandrespondtothe
concernspeoplehaveaboutVodafone’s
operations
• Get involved in your local community via
theVodafoneFoundation.
“Wewillengagewith
localcommunities
tohelpus
understandand
respondtoany
concernsthey
mayhave.”
35
Environment
Preferred contact:
–LocalExternalAffairsteam
36
Key definitions
used in this Code
Whereverpossible,wereduceouruseof
resourcesandcutanyharmfulemissions
forwhichweareresponsible.Wereuseand
recycletelecommunicationequipment
andwaste.
Q: What is an arrangement? (p17)
A:Typicalexamplesinclude:
Q: What are ‘facilitation payments’ and
‘kickbacks’? (p19)
•Sharinginformationsuchasprices,costs
orsalesvolumeswithcompetitors.
Wecomplywithrelevantenvironmental
legislationandinternationalstandards.In
countrieswhereenvironmentallegislation
isnotevidentorenforced,wewillensure
thatresponsiblepracticesformanaging
environmentalimpactsareinplace.
•Agreeingwithcompetitorstofixthe
priceofproductsorservices,including
discounts,rebatesandcommissions.
A:Afacilitationpaymentisusuallyasmall,
unofficialcashpaymentmadetospeedup
a routine government action, for example
paying$10toanofficialtospeedupavisa
application.Akickbackisapaymentmade
to an individual in return for a referral,
transactionorcontractwithanotherparty.
Weworkwithcustomers,suppliersand
contractorstodevelopproductsand
servicesandworkingpracticestominimise
theimpactontheenvironment.Wewill
maintainstakeholderconfidencebybeing
openandresponsivetotheconcerns
ofcustomers,regulatorsandthelocal
communitiesinwhichweoperate.
• Agreeingwithresellerstofixthe
minimumresalepriceofproducts
orservices.
What does this mean for me?
• Hasnotbeenmadepublic
• Agreeingwithcompetitorsnotto
competeforcertainaccountsorregions,
oragreeingmarketshares.
Q: What is inside information? (p18)
A:Informationthat:
• Isprecise
Weexpectyouto:
• RelatestoVodafone
• Familiariseyourselfwithrelevant
environmentallaws,regulations
andpolicies
• Ifmadepublic,wouldbelikelytohave
asignificanteffectonthepriceof
Vodafonesecurities.
• Reduceyourwastewhereverpossible
Q: What is a bribe? (p19)
A: Abribeinvolvesthegivingorreceiving
ofcash,oranythingelseofvalue,inorder
togetsomeonetoact‘improperly’(usually
resultinginanunfairpersonalgain).
Nothingofvalueneedstochangehands,
justtheofferorpromiseisenoughtobreak
thelaw.
• Userecyclingfacilitieswhereverpossible
• Avoidunnecessarytravel–use
conferencecallfacilitiesor
videoconferencingwherepossible
• Walkorusepublictransportwhere
youcan.Considercar-sharingwitha
colleague if you need a car
Q : What is a ‘Public Official’? (p15)
A:Anindividualwhoholdsalegislative,
administrativeorjudicialpositionor
exercisesapublicfunctionforanypublic
agencyorpublicenterprise,including
state-ownedmediaandregulatorybodies.
• Alwaysconsidertheenvironmentwhen
makingpurchasingdecisions
“Wearecommitted
toprotectingthe
environment.”
Q: What does ‘reasonable and
proportionate’ mean? (p15)
A:Asageneralruleitcoverslow-value,
Vodafonebrandeditemsinconnection
withpromoting,demonstratingor
explainingourproductsandservices.Itcan
alsocoversomehospitalitywhichisdone
foraclearbusinesspurpose,forexample
invitingagroupofprospectiveclientsto
anevent,andwhichisnot‘lavish’or‘over
thetop’.
Q : What is a ‘significant’ gift or benefit?
(p14)
A:Somethingofvalueoutsideofthe
monetarylimitsoutlinedintheGroup
PolicyStandard.Alternatively,itmay
besomethingwhichisvaluabletothe
individualwhichmaygivetheimpression
thatitisenoughtoinfluencea
businessdecision.
Q: What is a ‘close’ relationship? (p15)
A: A‘close’relationshipwouldincludea
memberofthefamily,partnerorclose
friendorbusinessacquaintance.
Q: What is ‘sensitive information’?
(p12)
A:Sensitiveinformationcanincludelegal
agreements,technicalspecificationsor
anyotherinformationwhichisunlikely
tobepubliclyknownandmayhave
commercialvalue.
Q: What do we mean by
‘discrimination’? (p31)
A:Forthesepurposes,’discrimination‘
includeslessfavourabletreatmentbased
ongender,age,disability,sexuality,
religiousbelieforethnicorigin.
Q: What do we mean by ‘harassment
and bullying’? (p32)
A:Wedefineharassmentandbullyingas
unwantedbehaviourfromanotherperson
whichisintimidating,malicious,offensive,
insulting,humiliatingordegrading.Itmay
be related but not limited to age, gender,
sexualorientation,race,disability,religion
orbelief,andcanbeeitherarepeated
oraone-offincident.Itcanbeverbal,
non-verbal,physicalandisn’talways
face-to-face.
Vodafone Group Plc
Vodafone House
The Connection
Newbury
Berkshire
RG14 2FN
England
Tel: +44 (0)1635 33251