Code of conduct
At Cathwell, we believe that conducting our business in an ethical and transparent manner, is the only way to work. We believe that building and maintaining a collaborative and innovative culture is key for a sustainable, yet thriving company.
Work environment and personal conduct
Work environment
Employees must maintain a professional work environment by acting with integrity, complying with laws, and adhering to company policies and regulations. They are expected to treat customers, colleagues, and partners ethically at all times, while fostering an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome and support people of all backgrounds and identities. Including but not limited to sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ethnicity, culture, national origin, social and economic class, educational level, color, immigration status, sex, age, language, size, family status, political belief, religion, and mental and physical ability.
Be considerate
We all depend on each other to produce the best work we can as a company. Your decisions will affect clients and colleagues, and you should take those consequences into account when making decisions.
Make differences into strengths
We can find strength in diversity. Different people have different perspectives on issues, and that can be valuable for solving problems or generating new ideas. Do not forget that we all make mistakes, and that blaming each other does not get us anywhere. Instead, focus on resolving issues and learning from mistakes.
Choose our words carefully
Be kind to others. Do not insult or put down others. Harassment and exclusionary behavior are not acceptable. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Threats of violence.
- Discriminatory jokes and language.
- Sharing sexually explicit or violent material via electronic devices or other means.
- Personal insults, especially those using racist or sexist terms.
- Unwelcome sexual attention.
Gifts, hospitality and expenses
Gifts and favours may only be offered provided that they are modest, both with respect to frequency and value (less than NOK 270), and that the time and place are appropriate. We will not offer or accept gifts or favours in any monetary or personal beneficial way. Gifts and favours may under no circumstances be offered or received under or in connection with contract bidding, evaluation or award.
Protection of company assets
Employees must always act to protect company assets, including physical, intellectual, and electronic or digital properties
Substance abuse
The manufacture, distribution, possession, sale or purchase of controlled substances of abuse on company property is prohibited. Being under the influence of illegal drugs, alcohol or substances of abuse on company property is prohibited. Working while under the influence of prescription drugs that impair performance is prohibited.
Refusal of service
While we will make every effort to work with and for clients, failure to respect the code of conduct may result in suspension or refusal to serve.
Shared guidelines for business conduct
Expectation of conduct
Cathwell, together with third parties, is expected to establish and maintain policies, procedures, and training programs to ensure compliance with the following:
- Conflict of interest and sensitive situations: If Cathwell employees or third party becomes aware of an actual or potential conflict of interest or a sensitive situation that cast doubt on Cathwell’s or the third party’s ability to act with objectivity when providing services for or in connection with Cathwell’s business, it shall notify Cathwell on a timely basis.
- Corruption and bribery: Catwell employees or third parties shall not engage in any activities or improper payments that may imply involvement in corruption or bribery when working for or with Cathwell.
- Health and safety: The health and safety of our people are of primary importance to Cathwell. Our third parties must provide a safe and healthy work environment for all employees and personnel attending their sites by maintaining a focus on health and safety and complying with all applicable laws, rules and regulations.
- Child labor: Suppliers shall adhere to the minimum employment age defined by national law or regulation and comply with relevant International Labor Organization (ILO) standards. The Provisions of the International Labor Organization (ILO) conventions on child labor and children’s rights must be fully complied with. With reference to the ILO Minium Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138), no supplier shall for both hired and permanent employees tolerate, what is prohibited by Cathwell, the employment of children younger than 15 years and persons younger than 18 years for the performance of hazardous work.In no instance shall a supplier permit children to perform work that exposes them to undue physical risk that can harm their physical, mental, or emotional development or improperly interfere with their education or vocational needs.
- Forced labor and human trafficking: Neither Cathwell employees nor third parties must not participate in, or benefit from, any form of forced labor, including bonded labor, forced prison labor, slavery, involuntary servitude, or human trafficking. Third party associates involved in Cathwell’s engagements must have the freedom of movement during their employment.
- Human rights: Third parties must treat Cathwell’s employees and hired labor equally and fairly. Third parties will not accept any form of harassment or discrimination on grounds of ethnicity, color, sex, religion, political views, disability, national or social origin.
- Freedom of association and right to collective bargaining: Cathwell and our suppliers shall ensure and recognize the right of free association and, where a significant proportion of the workforce agrees, collective bargaining of employees. Workers´ representatives shall not be discriminated and shall have access to carry out their function of representatives in the workplace. In countries where national applicable law restricts these rights, alternative means of association for personnel shall be supported.
- Minorities and indigenous people rights – local communities: Cathwell and our suppliers shall respect the special importance of the social, cultural, religious, and spiritual value and practices of minorities, indigenous and tribal peoples and their relationships with waters, land, or territories. Cathwell and suppliers shall respect the local community and work accordingly to internationally recognized principles to prevent and mitigate adverse impact on local communities.
- Conflict minerals: Neither Cathwell nor third parties shall knowinlgy acquire conflict minerals or unsustainably mined minerals from conflict affected and high risk areas, to the extent applicable to the operations. A written policy and procedure should be in place.
- Money laundering: Neither Cathwell nor suppliers shall take part in any form of money laundering and shall take steps to ensure that their financial transactions are not used to launder money.
- Sanctions: Cathwell and suppliers shall comply with relevant sanctions and not have business or dealing with a sanctioned country, group, organization or individual.
- Competition: Cathwell and suppliers shall apply high commercial ethical standards and compete within the framework of competition rules in the market where they operate. Suppliers shall not enter or seek to enter or otherwise engage in any form of agreement, arrangement or activity that would be a breach of applicable competition laws and regulations.
- Personal data protection & data privacy: Cathwell and suppliers shall respect the rights of data subjects to data privacy, and only process personal data to the extent and in a manner consistent with applicable data protection and privacy laws. Cathwell and all suppliers shall comply with applicable and relevant data protection legislation.
- Payment of taxes: Cathwell and suppliers shall ensure timely and accurate reporting and filling of tax records.
- Accurate and complete records: Cathwell and suppliers shall maintain accurate, correct and complete records of all transactions.
- Confidentiality: Suppliers must take all reasonable and necessary precautions to safeguard Cathwell’s information to which it has access, including not disclosing it to anyone inside or outside of Cathwell, unless disclosure is properly authorized and subject to a written confidentiality agreement.
- Environmental and green initiatives: We understand that environmental responsibility is crucial for delivering world-class products and services. Cathwell, along with our suppliers, is dedicated to adhering to all relevant environmental laws and regulations. We are committed to carring out our operations in a manner that is environmentally conscious and responsible.
- Law and regulations: To the extent any applicable law or regulation is more restrictive than this code, such law or regulation shall govern.
Compliance monitoring
Cathwell is committed to monitoring compliance against its standards, policies and codes. Where appropriate, Cathwell will conduct risk-based due diligence on third parties as part of assessing their relationship. Cathwell expects third parties to provide complete and accurate information to facilitate due diligence efforts undertaken by Cathwell, where requested.
If Cathwell determines that a third party has breached this code, it may require the third party to implement a remediation plan, or, in certain circumstances, it may suspend or terminate the relationship with the third party.