1. introduction
Serro & Andrade values integrity, transparency and strict compliance with legal and ethical standards in its daily work. To support these values, we have established a secure and confidential whistleblowing channel, accessible to all employees, clients, suppliers and other interested parties. Through this channel, anyone can report situations that violate the company's principles, applicable legislation or the rights of the parties involved.
2. Objective
This whistleblowing policy aims to guarantee a safe and anonymous mechanism for reporting suspicious, irregular or illegal situations, promoting a safe and ethical working environment. We want to encourage transparency and ensure that all reports are dealt with confidentially, fairly and impartially.
3. Types of Complaints Accepted
Complaints must involve the following types of situations, among others:
- Sexual harassment, bullying, and/or physical assaultSituations in which an employee or any other person linked to the company is subjected to unwanted behaviour, verbal or physical abuse, creating a hostile or intimidating working environment.
- Money laundering and terrorist financingActs involving the misuse of funds to mask their illicit origin or to support terrorist activities, in violation of legal and ethical standards.
- Economic crime (fraud, suspected theft, bribery, corruption or embezzlement)Illegal practices involving the inappropriate use of financial resources for personal gain or to the detriment of the company and its rules.
- Damage to the company (property or reputation)Activities that directly or indirectly cause material, financial or image damage to the company, impacting its operations or public image.
- Discrimination (race, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, etc.)Actions that treat an individual unfavourably on the basis of personal characteristics, disrespecting the fundamental rights of equality and inclusion.
- Danger to health and safetySituations that could jeopardise the physical integrity and well-being of employees or third parties in the workplace.
- Danger to the environmentActivities or practices that may cause damage to the environment, including pollution, improper waste disposal or irresponsible use of natural resources.
- Protecting the privacy of personal dataViolations in the protection and confidentiality of personal information, in breach of privacy regulations and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
- Violation of external rules and regulations (violation of the law, e.g. labour code; code of ethics)Failure to comply with the laws and regulations applicable to the sector, including the labour code and other regulations in force.
- Violation of internal rules and regulations (internal procedures, code of ethics)Disrespect for the company's policies and values, including failure to comply with procedures, internal rules and Serro & Andrade's code of ethics.
4. Whistleblowing Channel
Complaints can be made via our whistleblowing portal, which can be accessed via Serro & Andrade's official website. This channel guarantees the confidentiality of reports and allows them to be sent anonymously. Whistleblowers can also choose to identify themselves if they wish.
5. Confidentiality and Anonymity
Serro & Andrade undertakes to maintain the confidentiality of all reports received, protecting the identity of whistleblowers, whether they choose to remain anonymous or to be identified. Any attempt to retaliate against whistleblowers will be severely penalised in accordance with the company's legal and internal rules.
6. Handling complaints
Each complaint will be analysed rigorously and impartially by Serro & Andrade's compliance team. In the event of a substantiated complaint, the necessary corrective and/or disciplinary action will be taken. The team undertakes to carry out the investigation as quickly as possible, always respecting the rights of those involved.
7. Whistleblower protection
Serro & Andrade guarantees that the whistleblower, if identified, will not suffer any type of retaliation for reporting a legitimate situation of violation or suspected violation. Should any form of retaliation arise, it must be reported immediately in order to protect the whistleblower's rights.
8. Compliance with Portuguese legislation
This whistleblowing policy fully complies with Portuguese legislation and the European Directive (EU) on whistleblower protection. Serro & Andrade respects and adopts the best practices in whistleblowing management and is committed to continuously improving this process to ensure an ethical and safe working environment.
9. Review of the Whistleblowing Policy
Serro & Andrade reserves the right to review and update this policy periodically to ensure that it is in line with best practice and current legislation. Changes will be communicated clearly and transparently to all employees and other interested parties.
To submit a complaint, access the whistleblowing channel on our website or contact Serro & Andrade's compliance team directly.