The business of Deutsche Telekom is based on integrity, respect and compliance with the law. Compliance is crucial for us.
To sum it up compliance stands for clear rules and doing the right thing. At Deutsche Telekom compliance means to adhering legal provisions, the Company's internal policies and ethical principles.
All of Deutsche Telekom's business depends on these principles. Every individual is called upon to act according to them. This is beneficial everyone: The company itself, its employees, customers, suppliers and shareholders.
Organizational structure Compliance: Avoid risks – ensure the Company's success
Telekom has a holistic compliance management system (CMS) in place to ensure conduct with integrity and in compliance with the law throughout the Group at all times and to successfully counter compliance risks. Responsibility for this CMS is situated at the highest management level. Deutsche Telekom's Compliance unit provides guidance to employees and provides mechanisms and tools to prevent, detect and prosecute violations. The Group-wide design, further development and implementation of the CMS is the responsibility of the Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) of Deutsche Telekom AG and the Group Compliance Management department. The operating segments and national companies each have their own compliance officers. Their task is to implement the compliance management system and compliance targets locally. Our global compliance network and close international cooperation are an important success factor to ensure that all our employees comply with our rules worldwide.
The core elements of our compliance management system are as follows:
Prevent
Our main focus is on preventing potential misconduct. Through training and innovative measures such as interactive discussion formats, we promote compliance awareness among our employees. In addition, employees can seek advice from the consultation service "AskMe", which provides tips and helps in uncertain situations.
Identify
Deutsche Telekom has set up a tip-off portal. Anyone can provide anonymous tips on potential compliance violations. The tips are treated strictly confidential and are investigated by specially trained employees. We also ensure the security and transparency of our business processes through regular audits.
Respond
We have clear rules of what is allowed and what isn't. Compliant, legal behavior is valued – whilst misconduct is not tolerated. We systematically pursue misconduct and impose appropriate sanctions.
Deutsche Telekom is one of the first DAX companies which has its compliance management system externally audited on a regular basis. In the process, its suitability and effective implementation have been repeatedly confirmed.