Code of Conduct

INTRODUCTION

FORNIX d.o.o. expects all its staff to be scrupulously impartial and honest in all affairs relating to the Company and their job within it. This policy outlines the responsibilities of staff working for the FORNIX d.o.o.

The duties of an employee are embodied in Common Law and built on by Company Statute and Code of Conduct, The Health and Safety at work Act, etc

Under Common Law the duties of an employee are as follows:

  • to be ready and willing to work 
  • to take reasonable care in the exercise of that service, including the duty to be competent at work and to take care of the FORNIX d.o.o. property
  • to not wilfully disrupt the FORNIX d.o.o. business 
  • to obey reasonable orders as to the time, place, nature and method of service 
  • to work only for the FORNIX d.o.o. in the range of working hours 
  • to hold solely for the FORNIX d.o.o. the benefit of any invention relevant to the business on which the FORNIX d.o.o. is engaged 
  • to respect the FORNIX d.o.o. trade secrets 
  • in general, to be of good faith and do nothing to destroy the trust and confidence necessary for employment
  • to account for all benefits – monetary or in kind –  received in the course of employment 
  • to not give or receive bribes or otherwise act corruptly
  • to indemnify the employer for loss caused by the employee
  • to aim high product security, fighting against counterfeit parts, guarding intellectual property.
  • to comply with export controls and economic sanctions to be inline with all international export regulations and sanctions to ensure that laws and regulations are applied to our business activities   

THE CODE OF CONDUCT REQUIRED BY THE COMPANY

Bribery and Other Corrupt Behaviour

FORNIX d.o.o. has a strict anti-bribery and corruption policy. 

A bribe is defined as: giving someone a financial or other advantage to encourage that person to perform their functions or activities improperly or to reward that person for having already done so.  

If an employee bribes (or attempts to bribe) another person, intending either to obtain or retain business for the company, or to obtain or retain an advantage in the conduct of the company’s business this will be considered gross misconduct. Similarly accepting or allowing another person to accept a bribe will be considered gross misconduct. In these circumstances the employee will be subject to formal investigation under the FORNIX d.o.o. disciplinary procedures, and disciplinary action up to and including dismissal may be applied.

Gifts and Hospitality

In addition to the duties placed on employees by Civil and Statute Law, The Company requires its employees to ensure that gifts and hospitality offered by suppliers and potential suppliers of goods and services to the FORNIX d.o.o. are declined. This applies, whether the gifts or hospitality are offered within or outside normal working hours. 

The only exceptions to this are trivial gifts with a nominal value of less than EUR 50.- such as a calendar, diary, chocolates or mugs can be accepted, considering as marketing promotion materials. All other gifts must be politely refused or returned to the donor with a suitably worded letter signed by the CEO.

Transaction of Private Business

Employees having official dealings with contractors and other suppliers of goods or services must avoid transacting any kind of private business with them by any means other than the FORNIX d.o.o. normal commercial channels. No favour or preferences as regards price, or otherwise, which is not generally available, should be sought or accepted.

Visits to Conferences, Demonstrations etc

The Company intends that when it is necessary for employees to visit conferences, demonstrations and similar occasions out of business range, it should bear the travelling and subsistence expenses itself. Exceptions to this general rule will only be permitted with the approval of the Chief Executive.

Attendance at Luncheons, Receptions etc

Where it is evident that the work of the FORNIX d.o.o. will be facilitated, invitations to attend receptions, luncheons may be accepted under the following rules:

  • no employee may accept an invitation without first obtaining the approval of the CEO
  • in exceptional circumstances, where it is not possible to seek prior approval, the facts should be reported immediately afterwards
  • if addressed personally, such an invitation may not be transferred to another employee, except with the consent and approval of a senior manager as above and with the concurrence of the party issuing the invitation
  • invitations involving attendance outside normal working hours may be accepted only on the authority of the CEO

Confidentiality

At all times confidentiality must be maintained. No information can be released to unauthorised persons or organisations. The CEO or other Senior Managers of FORNIX d.o.o. will inform employees of those authorised to receive information. If doubt exists as to the validity of an organisation or individuals to receive information, this must be checked with a Senior Manager or CEO.

Personal Relationships

If a personal relationship between two employees develops within the working environment, the onus is on the senior employee concerned to bring this to the attention of his or her manager to confirm that there is no conflict of interest, nor will a conflict of interest arise. The Company reserves the right to move one of the employees concerned if it deems it necessary to do so.

Outside Interests and Employment

Outside interests include directorships, ownership, part ownership or material shareholdings in companies, business or consultancies likely to seek to do business with the FORNIX d.o.o. These should be declared to the individual’s line manager as should the interests of a spouse / partner or close relative.

Political and civil activities

It is not the intention of FORNIX d.o.o, or this policy, to dissuade employees from participating actively in public duties. It is important, however, that by doing so there is no suggestion to a third party that the employee is acting on behalf of, or with the support of FORNIX d.o.o. To avoid any misunderstanding, no Company employee should permit his or her company affiliation to be noted in any outside organisation’s materials or activities without the express written approval of a member of senior management.

Ethical recruitment

Fornix d.o.o. ensure equal opportunity regardless of race, gender, age, disability, religion, or other protected characterisitcs. All candidates are treated with respect and impartiality, avoding biases and farvouritism. The company adhere to all relevant laws and regulations and protects personal information of candidates during and after the recruitment process.

General Conduct

Employees should at all times conduct themselves in such a way as to enhance the reputation of the Company.

FORNIX d.o.o. will support employees who become aware of and are willing to report breaches of this policy or who genuinely believe that a breach is occurring, has occurred or is likely to occur within the business. Employees should raise the issue internally with their manager or supervisor or in accordance with the Company’s Policy on Disclosing Information.

These standards of conduct are intended to underpin and clarify standards required by the Company of its employees and form a fundamental part of the employment contract. Staff who fail to comply with the guidance detailed in this Policy could be subject, following full investigation, to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. If through their actions or omissions staff are found to be in contravention of either this Policy or, indeed, their legal responsibilities then the Company reserves the right to take legal action if it deems it to be necessary to do so.

Fornix d.o.o., rev. June 2024