Ethical Behaviour

Personal conduct

We expect the highest levels of personal conduct by the entire staff of the Aegis Group (‘Aegis’), regardless of position. Honesty, integrity and fairness form the cornerstones of relationships inside and outside Aegis. While it is recognised that limited corporate hospitality (GBP 250 or less) is given and received as part of building normal business relationships, staff should avoid accepting hospitality or gifts which might appear to place them under an obligation. Approval of the business unit CEO/MD is required before accepting an invitation to a corporate hospitality event. Bribery of any form is unacceptable. No undeclared offers or payments will be accepted or solicited by employees, or made by employees to third parties, and staff are required to avoid any contacts that might lead to, or suggest, a conflict of interest between their personal activities and the business of the Group. Proper and full records must be made of all transactions on behalf of Aegis.

Commitment to staff

The welfare of staff is an essential principle for Aegis. We aim to provide all Aegis staff with safe conditions of work, and competitive terms of employment. We are committed to equal opportunities and the avoidance of discrimination. Sexual or racial harassment will not be tolerated. All staff will be encouraged to play a full part in personal career development through progressive human resource and training arrangements.

International operations

In the countries where Aegis does business, we will always seek to play a responsible, constructive role. We aim to contribute in a meaningful way to the aspirations of individual societies. We will comply with the applicable laws and regulatory requirements of the countries where Aegis is operating.

Human rights

We conduct our business as a responsible, corporate citizen in the worldwide society. We support the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and aim to apply its principles throughout our business operations.

Health, safety and the environment

We take seriously our responsibilities to conduct Aegis businesses with proper regard for the health and safety of all those involved in our operations and the public at large. All parts of Aegis are required to have in place sound and effective health and safety management processes. In all our operations we shall adopt good environmental practices and comply with applicable environmental laws. We do not operate in a “dirty industry” but local environmental laws may dictate, for example, how we dispose of old IT equipment.

Communication

We recognise the vital role that clear and effective communication plays in sustaining our business relationships. Openness and transparency of operations, appropriate to the expectations of respective audiences, are a key business goal, subject to the demands of commercial confidentiality. It is recognised that effective internal communication is of vital importance to the success of Aegis, and central to sustaining Aegis’s corporate values.

Third parties

When we operate in conjunction with third parties or in joint venture arrangements we will seek to promote the application of these Business Principles. The ability to do this effectively is an important factor in the decision to enter or remain in any third party relationship. More specifically, business integrity is a key standard for the selection and retention of those who represent and work for Aegis. No agents, representatives, consultants or third party contractors should be used if their principles, policies and procedures significantly conflict with the Groups Corporate Values and Ethical Principles.

Customers

Customer satisfaction is the cornerstone of our business. We aim to develop and maintain profitable and lasting relationships with customers by offering excellent service, quality and value supported by continuous innovation.

Confidentiality of customer information

Our clients are the lifeblood of our business and we give clients a commitment to confidentiality in all aspects of our service. To achieve this purpose we have established stringent safeguards over the management, use, access, storage and disposal of all types of confidential client data. These commitments are described in the Aegis Media code of conduct.

Community activities

Wherever we operate, we will seek to make a positive and meaningful contribution to community activities and to behave in a socially responsible manner. We recognise that Aegis’s sustained commercial success is only possible in the presence of a healthy social environment. We should act in a socially responsible manner and co-operate fully with government and regulatory bodies. We do not make contributions to political parties.

Economic priorities

Aegis is a commercial organisation operating in, and subject to, the forces of the private sector. We must provide an appropriate return for our shareholders in order to discharge Aegis’s responsibilities. Staff at Aegis and its subsidiaries will work constructively to maintain the highest standards of efficiency and integrity and seek to balance the interests of investors and other stakeholders.

These Ethical Principles are fundamental to the conduct of our business and must not be compromised. Everyone in Aegis is responsible for observing these Business Principles. Managers are specifically responsible for these standards and for ensuring that they are applied throughout the group. All corporate decisions will be made in line with these Ethical Principles.