70 Ethics and human rights In conjunction with and with the support of the company focusright, Zurich, we have developed the Girsberger Statement of Principles on Ethics and Human Rights during the reporting period. The aim of this statement of principles is to formalise and describe in more detail our commitment to society, as given in the “ WE ARE GIRSBERGER” corporate mission statement. It is intended to provide a framework for our company’s approach to and responsibilities concerning the human rights due diligence that applies to our own business activities, as well as to our suppliers and business partners. As described in our corporate mission statement, Girsberger is committed to respecting international human rights and employment standards. We recognise that companies have a responsibility to respect human rights in their supply and value-added chains and to prevent human rights abuses, while it is the duty of the state to protect human rights. Since we are aware of this corporate responsibility, we have already been observing the basic principles of responsible business management in our entrepreneurial activities for many years. In implementing this statement of principles, we continuously review where particular risks for human rights violations exist along our value-added chains and prioritise the most serious human rights issues. As a part of this, we rely on specific risk analyses and identify the impact of our actions on human rights. The following areas were identified as being particularly vulnerable: • Occupational health and safety • Equal treatment, equal opportunities and equal pay • Discrimination and harassment • Consumer protection and product safety Presently, the formulation of the due diligence process concerning human rights is in the conceptual phase; the process comprises six core elements and is expected to be further developed and improved in a stepwise and continuous manner. (1) Statement of principles on ethics and human rights, (2) Analysis of potential and actual risks, (3) Integration of analysis results and taking appropriate action, (4) Embedding in the company, (5) Monitoring and reporting, (6) Grievance mechanism and remediation. Parts of these six core elements, (Phases 1 and 2), have already been implemented. During the next reporting period, we will aim to develop the basis for conducting audits at our A-suppliers in order to evaluate potential and actual risks and to take appropriate action where necessary and possible. It is planned for the ten most important A-suppliers to have been audited by Girsberger by the end of 2024. The responsibilities that make up the statement are set out in the statement of principles. We will review our strategic approaches and actions annually with the aim of continuous improvement. In 2022, a code of conduct for preventing and countering corruption and reporting irregularities (whistleblowing) was drawn up and implemented. These guidelines must be observed and implemented by all employees within the Girsberger Group. Managers with responsibilities towards employees must exemplify these principles of conduct and ensure that they are implemented accordingly in their area of work. All employees were notified accordingly and also received a copy of these guidelines. The guidelines, in four languages, have also been incorporated in the management and quality management system. A training session to deepen the knowledge of managers in this field will be held in the third quarter of 2023. Manuela Kurbjuhn, Nadine Zürcher “The Statement of Principles on Ethics and Human Rights provides the framework for our company’s approach to and responsibilities concerning human rights due diligence.” Social affairs
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