1. CODE OF BUSINESS ETHICS
Masters Security Services insists on honesty, integrity and fairness, and we are strongly committed to upholding and promoting the highest ethical business standards in all aspects of our business. As an industry leader, Masters Security Services has far-reaching responsibilities towards the country and communities where we operate. We practice good corporate citizenship and comply with laws and regulations in our country of operation. Masters Security Services also has a responsibility to drive the development of the entire security industry. By cooperating with trade organizations, unions, public authorities and law enforcement, we help develop services and the market as a whole, with the goal of raising standards and wages in the industry.
2. FAIR COMPETITION AND ANTI-TRUST
Masters Security Services believes in fair trade and honest competition, based on integrity, product quality, and price and client service. While a representative of Masters Security Services may join associations in order to advance the industry, it is strictly prohibited to discuss or enter into agreements with competitors on pricing, market shares or similar illegal activities. We are firmly committed to respecting all applicable laws and regulations promoting fair competition.
3. ENTERTAINMENT, GIFTS, GRATUITIES AND DONATIONS
Masters Security Services should always be, and be perceived as, professional and independent in our interactions with our business partners. Purchasing and sales activities must be handled with the utmost integrity. Employees and business partners should not give or accept any gifts, gratuities or entertainment offers that could influence business transactions, or the employee’s, business partner’s or client’s decision making. Gifts of minor value are sometimes part of local business culture, and may be accepted as long as they are acceptable with regard to our values and policies and permitted according to local laws, rules and regulations.
4. MONEY LAUNDERING AND TERRORIST FINANCING
Masters Security Services must not facilitate money laundering or terrorist financing. We are committed to complying with all applicable general anti-money laundering and terrorist financing principles set out in relevant conventions and laws against corruption, money laundering and terrorist financing, within the spirit of the Code.
5. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Our business decisions are always be based on objective reasons and criteria, and never be influenced by an employee’s personal relationships, activities outside Masters Security Services or financial interests. Conflicts of interest can impact the decisions we make, harm our brand and reputation, and create mistrust within and outside the company. A conflict of interest exists when an employee’s private interests interfere in any way with the interests of Masters Security Services. A conflict situation can, for example, arise if you as an employee take actions or have interests that may make it difficult to perform their work objectively and efficiently. Employees and business partners must avoid all conflicts of interest or perceived conflicts of interest between their personal activities and their part in the conduct of Masters Security Services’ business. Business transactions between Masters Security Services and parties related to an employee, such as family members, relatives, friends, suppliers, clients or competitors, are only permitted under exceptional circumstances and after “grandfather approval”, that is, by your manager’s manager. Grandfather approval is also required when members of the same family are employed or where there are close personal relationships between employees.
6. POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND POLITICAL ACTIVITIES.
Masters Security Services does not contribute corporate funds, assets or services to support a government entity, political organization, party or candidate. Employees are free to participate in lawful political life in their private time and in their capacity as private citizens.
7. OUR SUPPLIERS
Masters Security Services works with many different suppliers to procure the goods, services and information that are necessary for our business. It is therefore important that we select the best suppliers for the job and treat them fairly. All suppliers and sub-contractors are expected to meet Masters Security Services’ ethical, quality and other standards and expectations and to follow all relevant laws, rules and regulations, including laws on data protection. All kinds of compensation to or from business associates must be based on a verifiable supply of products and services only. Suppliers must comply with Masters Security Services Business Partner Code of Conduct.
8. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Confidential information includes business secrets and other protected information. It also includes, for example, business plans, financial information and information about clients. The disclosure or loss of such information could damage our brand and lead to our stakeholders losing trust in us. Non-public information belonging to our clients or business partners that we gain access to through our business must also be protected, in accordance with all legal and contractual requirements.
9. PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION.
Masters Security Services respects the individual’s right to privacy, and we are committed to handling personal data responsibly and in compliance with applicable privacy and data protection laws. We also protect personal data in accordance with internal policies, instructions and contractual arrangements with clients. Our overall privacy principle is Your integrity is our priority. This value-based principle has four pillars: transparent processing; integrity leads our decisions; keeping your data safe; and privacy principles are applied globally. This includes having clear roles and responsibilities for the governance of processed personal data, and complying with ethical principles on the processing of personal data within Masters Security Services.
10. PROTECTING MASTERS SECURITY SERVICES’ PROPERTY AND RESOURCES.
Masters Security Services has both tangible and intangible assets. Examples of tangible assets are equipment, real estate and products. Intangible assets include brands, trademarks, know-how and trade secrets. Masters Security Services has a strong brand, built up over many years. The entire value of our long history of providing professional security services is vested in the Masters Security Services trademark. Masters Security Services work to safeguard our trademark and brand, and respect the valid intellectual property rights of others. Masters Security Services’ property, resources and information systems are vital to our business. We must always protect and keep them secure from unauthorized use, damage, disclosure, diversion or removal, whether through accident, improper act or breach of trust. Masters Security Services’ resources must be used responsibly and not be wasted or abused. This includes company computers and digital communication systems that must not be used for inappropriate communication, such as illegal activities, harassment or behavior that can be considered offensive or discriminatory.
11. TAX MANAGEMENT.
Masters Security Services approach to tax seeks to align with the long-term interests of all our stakeholders, including governments, shareholders, employees and communities. We must meet our legal obligation to pay the correct amount of tax due in relation to our business activities and model, and we must not engage in any tax planning that may harm Masters Security Services’ business operations, reputation and stakeholders. We strive to meet our obligations of paying the relevant cash taxes due and ensuring accurate and timely reporting and submissions of our tax returns.
12. ENVIRONMENT.
Masters Security Services strives to conduct its business in a sustainable way with respect and consideration for the environment, and we should also work in a way that contributes to a more sustainable future. We continuously aim to reduce or minimize the impact of our business on the environment, at the same time as we seek ways to improve the environmental performance of our operations. Targets for emissions from company vehicles are set out in our Environmental Policy. We comply with or exceed environmental requirements set by applicable laws, regulations and international agreements.
13. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT.
Masters Security Service’ purpose is “We help make your world a safer place.” We play an important role in society, providing security and safety in a sustainable way. We are committed to being a good corporate citizen wherever we conduct business, and we recognize the importance of a proactive and continuous social dialogue with all our stakeholders. Through our tasks, we interact with the local communities and strive to contribute to their positive development.
12. SHEQ POLICY
Masters Security Services is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy workplace for all workers (including contractors) as well as clients, visitors and members of the public. Hazards and risks to health and safety will be eliminated or minimised, as far as is reasonably practicable.
The responsibility for managing health and safety ultimately rests with everyone. Our Workers have an important responsibility for health and safety in the workplace.
We are committed to complying with the Work Health and Safety Act, the Work Health and Safety Regulation, codes of practice and other safety guidance material.
Management will:
• Ensure the business complies with all legislation relating to health and safety
• Eliminate or minimise all workplace hazards and risks as far as is reasonably practicable
• Provide information, instruction and training to enable all workers to work safely
• Supervise workers to ensure work activities are performed safely
• Consult with and involve workers on matters relating to health, safety and wellbeing
• Provide appropriate safety equipment and personal protective equipment
• Provide a suitable injury management and return to work program
Workers will:
• Take reasonable care for their own health and safety
• Follow safe work procedures, instructions and rules
• Participate in safety training
• Report health and safety hazards
• Report all injuries and incidents
• Use safety equipment and personal protective equipment as instructed
Our goal is to provide a safe and healthy work environment that is free from workplace injury and illness. This will only be achieved through the participation, co-operation and commitment of everyone in the workplace.
IMPLEMENTATION AND COMPLIANCE
The Managing Director is responsible for ensuring the implementation of this Code. The line managers together with the person responsible for compliance, have the ultimate responsibility for the proper implementation of the Code by all employees and business partners. This includes the signing of the Code by all employees and training of all employees in the Code. The Code must also be communicated and implemented, to the greatest extent possible, in all business partner relationships. Implementation of and compliance with the Code will be monitored on an ongoing basis as part of risk management process and the Enterprise Risk Management process. The Code is reviewed annually.