Our success has always been based on close and effective cooperation between the Executive and Supervisory Boards, consideration of shareholders’ interests, an open style of corporate communication, proper accounting and audit procedures, and a responsible approach to risk and to legal rules and internal Group rules.
Linde upholds high ethical standards. In 2007, the Executive Board developed a corporate philosophy entitled Linde Spirit and devised a new code of conduct known as the Code of Ethics and launched both throughout the Group. Linde Spirit describes the corporate culture which is manifested in the Linde vision and the values and principles that underpin day-to-day activities. The Code of Ethics sets out the commitment made by all employees of The Linde Group to comply with legal regulations and to preserve and protect the ethical and moral values of the Group. It is based on Linde’s corporate culture and accords with its global values and fundamental principles. The Integrity Line reporting system is an important element of the compliance framework at The Linde Group. It enables both internal and external stakeholders to raise issues or report any suspicions they might have. The Executive Board has also issued its own guidelines on competition law, antitrust law, the engagement of sales agents, occupational safety, environmental and health protection, quality and procurement. Like the Code of Ethics, these guidelines apply to all employees in The Linde Group.
To reinforce compliance with both legal regulations and voluntary principles, the Group has a global compliance organisation. Linde’s Group-wide compliance activities are focusing in particular on antitrust law, the fight against corruption, export control and data protection. The compliance organisation is affiliated to Group Legal. Compliance officers have been appointed in the divisions, business units and operating segments to support Groupwide observance of the compliance programme. The global compliance officer coordinates and implements compliance measures. The Executive Board and the Audit Committee of the Supervisory Board are regularly informed about the current state of progress in the compliance organisation, including measures aimed at communicating existing rules of conduct to employees, training employees in those rules and updating the rules as necessary. Training is provided for Linde employees worldwide. Classroombased courses are supplemented by a Group-wide e-learning programme. We thereby create a working environment where our employees know our rules and guidelines.
Information on Linde's core values and compliance policy can be found on the website at www.linde.com/guidelinescorevalues and www.linde.com/corporategovernance.
