Vierumäki-yhtiöiden Code of Conduct

Vierumäki Companies Code of Conduct

Vierumäki Companies focus, in accordance with their new strategy approved in spring 2020, on their original core mission: producing and developing international-level services in education, sport activities, and elite sports. Vierumäki Companies also provide restaurant and accommodation services that enable our core services. Also, Vierumäki companies are responsible for the area's energy production, water supply, as well as maintenance services for properties and sports facilities.

Our work is based on honesty, transparency, and open dialogue, as well as continuous competence development. We operate according to the rules, and compliance to ethical principles is everyone's responsibility. We respect each other and our partners, conducting business transparently and responsibly. The ethical principles of Vierumäki Companies set the basic rules for both us and our partners. At Vierumäki Companies, each of us is obliged to familiarize ourselves with these principles and follow them in all daily activities. The purpose of these ethical principles is to guide decision-making and encourage responsible actions throughout all activities.

Our operations are founded on international and national agreements such as the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Labour Organization (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, the ethical programs and rules included in the International Olympic Committee's Olympic Charter, and the Equality and Non-discrimination Plan of the Finnish Olympic Committee. Regarding responsibility, we are also committed to anti-doping efforts. https://suek.fi/en/anti-doping-activities/cooperation/sports-institutes/

We support and respect internationally recognized human rights

We are committed to respecting internationally recognized human rights. We especially require the respect of freedom of association and the recognition of the right to collective bargaining, the elimination of all forms of forced labour and human trafficking, and the ue of child labour. We strive to promote human rights in all our activities and expect our partners to do the same.

We work continuously to prevent human rights violations within our circle of influence and ensure that our actions do not contribute to human rights abuses. We encourage all our stakeholders, including employees, partners, and communities, to respond immediately if any actions violating these principles are observed.

We work against all forms of corruption, including extortion and bribery

We do not offer, promise, request, accept, or give bribes to advance our operations. We always act in the best interest of the companies and do not let personal or close relationships influence our decision-making. Gifts with reasonable value and business-related hospitality are allowed. Employees of the companies who receive or give business gifts must appropriately assess the value, justification, and necessity of such gifts or the gift’s hospitality. Our commercial decisions are always based on commercial factors.

We ensure the safety of our operations, products and services

In addition to our statutory obligations, we are committed to ensuring the safety of our services and products according to the principles of continuous improvement. We comprehensively monitor that the entire quality chain of our services and products meets the requirements set for it.

We support equality related to work and profession opportunities

Our operations are based on equality, and we act professionally and fairly towards each other regardless of gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, age, health status, or any other characteristic. The responsibility for treating everyone equally lies with the entire work community. We do not discriminate against anyone based on race or any characteristic that could lead to discrimination.

We value each other's work and respect each other's individuality. We do not tolerate harassment or bullying in the workplace or in any company-related activities. It is everyone's responsibility to act fairly and to create a pleasant and inspiring work atmosphere. Everyone has the right to express themselves freely but also the responsibility for their own expressions.

We respect freedom of association

We respect the freedom of association and the right of employees to organize to labour unions without fear of intimidation or retaliation. We strive to improve relations between labour market parties and the effectiveness of the union representative system. Active cooperation at various levels of the organization and respect for everyone's involvement are integral parts of our organizational culture.

We invest in a safe working environment

Our goal is to minimize workplace accidents and promote occupational health and well-being. Adhering to safety guidelines, identifying faults and deficiencies, and eliminating hazards are everyone's responsibilities. We focus on preventing workplace accidents to avoid dangerous situations. We do not tolerate any substance abuse at the workplace or during working hours.

We care about the environment

We follow the precautionary principle when it comes to actions affecting the environment. We recognize the environmental impacts of our operations and monitor them to prevent potential side effects. We actively seek practices that have positive environmental impacts. We comply with all relevant environmental laws and regulations and applicable standards in the absence of official regulations.

We are committed to promoting environmental responsibility and continuously improving collaboration on environmental matters. We support each employee in taking responsibility for environmental protection. We communicate openly about environmental issues and promote the development and implementation of environmentally friendly practices.

Clean and equitable sport and leisure activity

We are committed to act in accordance with the Finnish Anti-Doping regulation and the World Anti-Doping regulation. We encourage athletes to compete purely without using prohibited substances and methods.

We actively and concretely promote equal opportunities for participation in sports and physical activities, as well as in the decision-making processes related to them.

We encourage continuous learning

We promote comprehensive activities integrated with lifelong learning across various areas of life, ensuring that knowledge is translated into action and plans are put into practice. We support the promotion of an active lifestyle in all our activities, from education to services for active vacationers. We strive to incorporate physical and responsible education into all our activities with children and young people. Being educators is a responsibility that belongs to each of us.

We comply with the relevant laws and standards and we expect the same from our partners

We operate in accordance with all relevant laws. Each of our business partners must follow the same legal principles. These legal principles are considered minimum standards to be exceeded whenever possible.

As a company, we do not participate in political or religious activities

We actively participate in the social debate, but we do not offer financial support to political parties or entities related to them. We also do not directly or indirectly support political or religious activities.

We promote good governance

We avoid conflicts of interest between personal interests and the interests of our companies. Employees must use the company's tangible and intangible assets in the best possible way to achieve the company's objectives.

We prefer that our employees do not hold significant leadership positions in external organizations and prohibit employees from accepting such positions if it would create a conflict of interest with their duties in the company. Employees must comply with current competition law, and any significant outside employment must be pre-approved by the company.

We respect the privacy of our employees and business partners. Personal data provided by employees, students, customers, partners, and other parties are handled and used only in accordance with data protection laws.

We protect our own and our partners' trade secrets and other confidential information. Our employees and partners must not disclose or use such information without authorization.

We are committed to working openly and transparently

We communicate transparently and openly about our operations and observations. We address instances where laws or principles have not been followed. We apply the "open door principle," encouraging our partners to ask questions, make suggestions, and actively report any actions that violate ethical principles or legislation.

We react to violations

Our stakeholders, including employees and partners, must respond immediately if they observe any actions that violate these operational principles or applicable laws. Prompt reporting of violations allows for the swift implementation of corrective measures. All reports of potential violations should be made in good faith, either directly to the responsible individuals, their supervisors, or through a secure electronic reporting channel that guarantees the anonymity of the reporter.