Corporate Responsiblity
Complaint Procedure under the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act
Georg von Holtzbrinck GmbH & Co. KG with its general partner, Verlagsgruppe Georg von Holtzbrinck GmbH, (hereinafter collectively "Holtzbrinck Publishing Group" or "HPG") has set the goal of respecting and protecting human rights and the environment when conducting business and within its supply chains. You can help HPG to achieve this goal by notifying us here of human rights or environmental risks or of violations of human rights or environmental obligations:
Please note the following before using the reporting system:
1. What complaints can you report via the reporting system?
You can only use this reporting system for information relating to
- human rights and environmental risks, and
- violations of human rights or environmental obligations
within the meaning of the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz - LkSG), if these risks or violations have arisen due to HPG’s business activity or the business activity of an HPG supplier.
2. Who may use the reporting system?
Any person who learns of the risks or violations described above (see 1) may lodge a complaint. This also applies to associations of persons such as non-governmental organisations.
3. What should you say in a complaint?
Complaints should be based on facts and contain all relevant facts as far as the complainant has this information. Complaints should also address what result the complaint is intended to achieve.
4. Who is responsible for processing?
Members of the HPG Legal & Compliance Department are responsible for handling complaints. All persons entrusted with the processing of specific complaints are not bound by any internal instructions and are sworn to secrecy.
5. What protection does the reporting system offer the complainant?
Complainants who provide information to the best of their knowledge and belief and who, in particular, do not intentionally make untrue allegations, are protected from any discrimination or punishment related to such complaint. Their identity will be treated confidentially. The information may also be provided without mentioning the name of the person making the complaint.
6. How does the complaints procedure work?
If a notice is received via the reporting system, this is immediately confirmed to the person or organisation making the complaint. It is then examined whether it is a relevant complaint (see 1 above). If necessary, the facts of the case will be clarified further, including through discussion with the complainant. If the facts are sufficiently clarified, the complainant will at least receive a statement of the facts. As soon as it has been determined whether the complaint is well-founded, the complainant will also be informed of this. If the complaint proves to be well-founded, we will - if necessary in consultation with the supplier concerned - immediately take the necessary measures to prevent or end or minimise the risk or violation in question within the scope of our capabilities. The individual case will determine which measures are suitable and appropriate to achieve this goal.