Code of conduct (German) Download
Code of conduct (English) Download
1. Our whistleblowing system
Compliance with legal regulations and internal rules as well as the principles of our Code of Conduct and the Code of Conduct for Business Partners is VAIVA's top priority. Our company's success is based on integrity and compliance. To meet these standards, it is important to learn about potential misconduct by employees or suppliers and to stop it. Therefore, we have entrusted the Central Investigations Office with operating an independent, impartial, and confidential whistleblowing system on our behalf.
An essential pillar of our whistleblowing system is the principle of procedural fairness. It also guarantees the greatest possible protection for whistleblowers, persons affected, and employees involved in investigating reported misconduct.
This also includes offering options for anonymous reporting and communication. We assure you that we will not take any steps to identify anonymous whistleblowers who do not misuse our whistleblowing system. Retaliation against whistleblowers and anyone who contributes to investigations at VAIVA will not be tolerated. The presumption of innocence applies to the persons concerned until the violation is proven. Investigations are carried out under the strictest confidentiality. The information is processed in a fair, prompt, and protected process.
How do we handle your report?
The qualified and experienced colleagues at the Investigations Office thoroughly review each report for possible misconduct by an employee of the Volkswagen Group and follow up on it systematically. First, you will receive an acknowledgement of receipt. The Investigations Office then reviews your report. This also includes gathering facts, especially from the whistleblower. Only if this initial assessment results in reasonable suspicion of a violation will an investigation be initiated by a separate investigative unit. Afterwards, the investigation results are assessed by the Investigations Office and appropriate measures are recommended. You will receive information about the status* and the outcome of the procedure without delay.
Possible violations of the Code of Conduct for Business Partners by suppliers, including serious risks and violations of human rights and the environment by direct and indirect suppliers, can also be reported to the Investigations Office - as can reports that require immediate action for any other reason. The Investigations Office informs the responsible departments, which then handle the matter accordingly. This includes, in particular, taking the necessary measures to minimize or end violations and/or risks.
Further information on the procedural principles of our whistleblowing system can be found here: Volkswagen_Group_Complaints_Procedure.pdf
* The processing time varies depending on the subject of the intervention
2. What type of report would you like to submit?
2.1 Do you have concerns or feedback about a VAIVA product or service?
For complaints or feedback about services from VAIVA or our business partners (e.g. dealerships, workshops), please contact VAIVA customer service:
Please understand that, for responsibility reasons, we cannot forward your request or take action on it.
2.2 Report to our whistleblowing system
The whistleblowing system offers various channels for reporting potential misconduct by VAIVA employees, violations of the Code of Conduct for Business Partners, or serious risks and violations of human rights and the environment in our supply chain.
The statutory right to contact designated authorities, described below, remains unaffected by this.
The VAIVA Investigations Office can be reached by email (in any language): io@volkswagen.de
For customer complaints, please use the channels listed under "A complaint about products or services to our customer service".
Postal address / in person
Central Investigations Office
Postal address:
Volkswage AG, Central Investigations Office
Mailbox 1717
38436 Wolfsburg, Germany
In person:
Please arrange an appointment in advance by sending an email to io@volkswagen.de.
Ombudsperson
VAIVA has appointed external lawyers as ombudspersons. They provide advice on the whistleblowing system or ensure that, upon request, whistleblower reports are forwarded anonymously to the Investigations Office.
If you would like to contact the ombudsperson, you can find the contact details here: http://www.ombudsmen-of-volkswagen.com/
Online reporting channel
You can contact the Investigations Office via a web-based communication platform in more than 65 languages https://goto.speakup.report/cariad. This system is confidential and technically secure and allows you to submit reports anonymously.
You can access the online reporting channel via the following link: https://goto.speakup.report/cariad
You can find detailed instructions on how to submit reports online, via app, or by phone here (PDF).
Voice recording by phone
You can leave us a voice message by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
After entering the phone number (specific to the country you are in), you will be prompted to enter the organization code. You can then submit your report as a voice recording. Only a written transcript is received by the Investigations Office. Call back in to hear the response or any further questions from our team.
Select a phone number for your country or region from this list and have the corresponding organization code 122344 ready.
SpeakUpApp
You can also download the Speak Up app "SpeakUp - Listen for a change" from People Intouch (personal devices only) to access the secure reporting system. With this app, you can submit your report in writing or leave a voice message (also anonymously). You need the organization code 122344. Log in again to view our team's response or answer further questions. To download the app, you can also scan the QR code:
3. Do you have any further questions or need a local contact person?
Questions or suggestions for improvement regarding the whistleblowing system can also be directed to the Investigations Office. In addition, our local compliance officer / responsible person can also be contacted for all matters relating to the whistleblowing system via compliance@vaiva.io.
4. Germany's external reporting channel
The German federal government has defined designated authorities that also accept reports of misconduct as external reporting channels. The external reporting channel is the Federal Office of Justice (BfJ) - Whistleblower Office (bundesjustizamt.de).