Ethics and anti-corruption

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Corruption refers to the abuse of power and influence. According to a broader definition, corruption can be illegal, reprehensible and unethical. Corruption can occur, for example, in the form of

• abuse of office and to give, request and receive bribes and give promises of bribes

• fraud, embezzlement, theft and misuse of common funds

• threats and coercion through violence

• misuse of confidential information

• favoritism and favorite systems

• circumvention of laws and regulations

• distortion of facts

• illegal follow-up and monitoring

• neglect of obligations and delay of proceedings

• protection and secrecy of maladministration

• indifferent management work

• unfair and unreasonable practices towards employees

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Corruption is most common in politics, the economy and public administration. Typical forms of corruption are

• favoritism

• best brother network

• abuse of trust

• breach of duty

The primary risk areas for corruption are considered to be

• the construction industry

• public procurement and tendering procedures

• community planning

• political decision-making

• party and election financing.

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Human Rights

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Human rights are universal and apply to everyone. They state that all people, regardless of country, culture and context, are born free and equal in value and rights. Human rights basically regulate the relationship between the state and the individual.

Human rights constitute a restriction of the state's power over the individual and at the same time establish certain obligations for the state. One example is that the state is obliged to protect the rights of the individual from being violated by other people. Another example is that the state must ensure that every human being can realize and demand his rights under the Convention on Human Rights.

Human rights are part of international law, that is, international law. The rights are written down in various types of international agreements. Conventions and protocols become legally binding by states declaring themselves bound by them, for example by ratifying them. Declarations and declarations also involve political obligations.

 

Public procurement

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Public procurement is the process that public organizations use to make purchases. There are rules for how this should be done. Public procurement can also be used to contribute to sustainable societal development.

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New rules from 1 February 2022

New and simplified rules for public procurement came into force on 1 February 2022. The new rules apply to procurements below the EU thresholds and procurements of social services and other special services.  The older rules apply to procurements that have been started before the new rules came into force.  

 

Whistleblowing

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Since December 17, 2021, Sweden has a new whistleblower team.  

The new law gives whistleblowers increased protection. Among other things, the right to secrecy is strengthened and it is now possible to report more irregularities than before.

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What is a whistleblower?

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A whistleblower is called when a person reports misconduct in authorities, companies or society in general. It can be about things that are illegal, unethical or inappropriate.

The law applies to reporting in a work-related context of information about misconduct that there is a public interest in it coming to light. In order for there to be a public interest, there must be serious circumstances, concern a circle that can be described as the public and there must be a legitimate interest in the misconduct emerging. This may, for example, apply to frequent and systematic misconduct for which there is a societal interest in having them remedied or interrupted. On the other hand, information that only concerns the reporting person's own working or employment relationship is not normally covered by the Whistleblower Act.

The law also applies to reporting in a work-related context of information about misconduct that is, for example, contrary to EU rules, such as the Data Protection Regulation, or other national rules that supplement EU rules.

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Sustainibility and traceability

 

In order to run a sustainable business that complies with all applicable health, safety and environmental laws, etc., it is important to have a sustainability policy. It is important that it becomes an integral part of the business, which also includes traceability.

 

How you choose to do depends on the business but the below should be included.

Responsibility.

Transparency.

Ethical behavior.

Respect for the interests of stakeholders.

Respect for the rule of law.

Respect for international standards of conduct.

Respect for human rights.