Ethics and compliance are fundamental to our business. We recognise the responsibility that comes with being a trusted advisor, and we are committed to upholding the values and principles of the rule of law in everything we do. Our dedicated compliance and risk management function supports our work with ethics and responsible business conduct. Our internal policies, systems and codes of conduct ensure that we always act in accordance with applicable legislation and international principles, and we send a clear signal that we take our role and responsibilities seriously.
Responsible business conduct as a fundamental principle
Responsibility is a fundamental principle in our business. We work systematically to integrate ethical considerations throughout the organisation and recognise our responsibility towards customers, partners and other stakeholders. Our internal policies set out clear guidelines for employee conduct and interaction with business relations. With a comprehensive impartiality and conflict of interest prevention programme, we continuously assess the risks that may be associated with our advice, especially in industries and sectors with an increased risk of conflicts of interest. We have a significant focus on ensuring full compliance with these ethical standards, and we will continue to strengthen these compliance areas in the future.
Mandatory compliance training
We regard compliance as a broad and deeply rooted foundation for our licence to operate. The company's compliance and risk management function, together with the relevant internal committees and management, ensures that the company complies with all applicable rules and that all employees individually and at appropriate intervals receive relevant compliance training, which includes areas such as IT security, conflict of interest identification, review of legal ethics rules, GDPR, DAC-6, insider rules, and the prevention of terrorist financing and anti-money laundering. All new employees also participate in a mandatory induction programme on ethics and compliance.
Ethics Committee
Our Ethics Committee handles internal inquiries and questions concerning, among other things, potential conflicts of interest and impartiality. The committee makes specific assessments and final decisions on whether a partner or the firm can represent a given client or case in accordance with applicable ethical guidelines. In addition, the Ethics Committee is responsible for approving partners' acceptance of board positions and similar positions of trust.
Combating corruption and money laundering
We have a consistent zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and bribery – both internally within the firm and among our business partners. Over the years, we have built up a robust and systematic screening system that covers both our clients and their beneficial owners and business partners. We have established a targeted anti-corruption policy that ensures compliance with relevant national and international rules and standards, including the UN Global Compact, the CCBE Code of Conduct for European Lawyers, the rules of professional conduct for lawyers and Danish legislation. The policy reflects our fundamental zero tolerance towards all forms of corruption, bribery, fraud and any other form of unethical behaviour. We act with the highest degree of integrity and responsibility, supported by clear internal guidelines and a strongly anchored governance and compliance programme.
Whistleblower scheme
It is a fundamental requirement that all employees and managers actively contribute to maintaining a safe and respectful working environment by complying with applicable rules and reporting any violations. The company has a whistleblower policy that sets out the framework for our whistleblower scheme, through which serious matters such as discrimination, sexual harassment, unwanted sexual attention and offensive behaviour, including bullying and sexism, can be reported. Any violations can be reported confidentially through the company's whistleblower scheme, which ensures that all cases are treated with the necessary confidentiality.
Data ethics
At Poul Schmith/Kammeradvokaten, data ethics is rooted in a number of fundamental principles that ensure responsible and secure use of data across all of the company's activities. We work systematically to integrate these principles into both our daily operations and the introduction of new technologies. In the coming years, we will maintain a significant focus on ensuring a consistently high professional standard across the organisation. This will be achieved through ongoing skills development, particularly in the area of compliance, and by supporting all employees in acting in accordance with our ethical and professional standards.
Supplier Code of Conduct
We strive to conduct business in a sustainable, ethical and transparent manner – and want to work with suppliers who share our values. Our requirements and expectations are set out in the Supplier Code of Conduct, which is increasingly becoming an integral part of our contractual basis. The code is based on internationally recognised principles and standards, including the UN Declaration of Human Rights, ILO conventions, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the UN Convention against Corruption. It sets requirements in areas such as working conditions, climate, environment and anti-corruption.
Responsible supplier management is a strategic focus area for us. We continuously assess key suppliers' performance on key ESG parameters and actively collaborate with them to strengthen areas such as reporting, climate targets, working conditions and governance.