Whistleblower

Our Whistleblower System

Complying with statutory regulations and internal rules, and the principles laid down in our Code of Conduct and the Code of Conduct for Business Partners, has top priority at Volkswagen Group Services sp. z o.o. The success of our company is based on Integrity and Compliance.

To meet these standards, it is important to learn about potential employee or suppliers misconduct and to put a stop to it. Therefore, we entrusted the Central Bureau of Investigation to operate an independent, impartial and confidential Whistleblower System on our behalf.

A key pillar of our Whistleblower System is the principle of procedural fairness. It also guarantees the greatest possible protection for whistleblowers, persons implicated and employees contributing to the investigation of reported misconduct.

This also includes offering opportunities for anonymous reporting and communication. We assure not to perform any steps in order to identify anonymous whistleblowers, who do not misuse our Whistleblower System. Retaliation of whistleblowers and all persons who contribute to investigations at Volkswagen Group Services sp. z o.o. will not be tolerated. Persons implicated are presumed innocent until the violation is proven. Investigations will be conducted with the utmost confidentiality. The information will be processed in a fair, fast and protected process.

How do we process your report?

The qualified and experienced colleagues at the Investigation Office examine every report for potential misconduct by a Volkswagen Group employee thoroughly and follow it up systematically. First, you will get a confirmation of receipt. The Investigation Office then assesses your report. This includes gathering facts particularly from the whistleblower. Only if this initial evaluation shows grounds for suspicion of a violation an investigation by a dedicated Investigating Unit will be started. Afterwards, the results of the investigation will be assessed by the Investigation Office and appropriate measures will be recommended. Information about the status* and the outcome of the procedure will be given to you without undue delay.

Potential violations of the Code of Conduct for Business Partners by suppliers, including serious risks and violations of human rights and environment by direct and indirect suppliers, can also be reported to the Investigation Office – as well as reports requiring otherwise immediate action. The Investigation Office will inform the responsible departments, who will process the issue accordingly. This particularly includes taking the necessary measures to minimize or end violations and/or risks.

*Processing time varies depending on the subject of the procedure

More information on the respective procedural principles can be found here link.

Do you have any reservations or opinions about a product or service of Volkswagen Group Services Sp. z o.o.?

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the services provided by Volkswagen Group Services Sp. z o.o., please contact our Compliance Officer at legal.compliance.vwgs.r.pzn@volkswagen-groupservices.com

Reporting in our Whistleblower System

The Whistleblower system offers various channels for reporting potential employee violations, which allow you to quickly check and respond to our company if necessary.

However, this does not affect your statutory right to contact the designated authorities, as described below.

24/7 hotline

Reports can be submitted by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by selecting the phone number from the available list, corresponding to the country or region where the reporter is located. The organizational code 122203 must also be prepared.

After dialing the number and entering the organizational code, it is possible to submit a report as a voice recording using the Voice Intake system. Only a written transcript of the report is forwarded to the Investigation Office.

To listen to a response or any follow-up questions from the team, it is necessary to call the same number again.

Online reporting channel

It is possible to use the online communication platform SpeakUp to contact the Investigation Office in more than 65 languages. This system is confidential and technically secured, and it allows for anonymous reporting.

Access to the online reporting channel is available via the following link:

SpeakUp

SpeakUp App

You can also download the SpeakUp App: "SpeakUp - Doing right, made easy” by People Intouch (personal devices only) to access the secure reporting system.

Through this app, you can submit your report in writing or leave a voice message (also anonymously). You will need the organization code: 122203

Log back in to see our team's reply or answer further questions.

To download the app, you can scan the following QR code:

Volkswagen Group spokespersons

Volkswagen Group Services Sp. z o.o. has appointed external lawyers to act as Ombudspersons. They advise on the Whistleblower System or ensure that reports from whistleblowers are forwarded anonymously to the Bureau of Investigation if desired.

If you want to contact the Ombudsman, you can find their contact details here: http://www.ombudsmen-of-volkswagen.com/ 

Email

The Bureau of Investigation can be contacted by e-mail: io@volkswagen.de.

Postal address and personal contact

Postal address:

Volkswagen AG
Central Bureau of Investigation
P.O. Box 1717
Berliner Ring 2
38440 Wolfsburg
Germany

Appointment:
Please make an appointment in advance by writing an email to: io@volkswagen.de.

Do you have questions or need a local contact person?

Questions regarding the Whistleblower System at Volkswagen Group Services Sp. z o.o. can be directed to the Investigation Department, but also to our Compliance Officer at

legal.compliance.vwgs.r.pzn@volkswagen-groupservices.com.

If you were a party to the proceedings, you have the option of asking Obudsman for feedback on the process.

External reporting channels in Poland

The Polish Parliament has identified designated bodies that accept infringement reports as external reporting channels. External reporting channels are:

Ombudsman - ombudsmen, external lawyers

http://www.ombudsleute-der-volkswagen-ag.de 

http://www.ombudsmen-of-volkswagen.com