Whistleblower
Our Whistleblower System
Complying with statutory regulations and internal rules, and the principles laid down in our Code of Conduct and the Code of Conduct for Business Partners, has top priority at Audi of South Africa. The success of our company is based on Integrity and Compliance. To meet these standards, it is important to learn of potential employee, contractor or supplier misconduct and to put a stop to it. Therefore, we entrusted the Central Investigation Office to operate an independent, impartial and confidential Whistleblower System on our behalf.
A key pillar of our Whistleblower System is the principle of procedural fairness. It also guarantees the greatest possible protection for whistleblowers, Persons Implicated and employees or contractors contributing to the investigation of reported misconduct.
This also includes offering opportunities for anonymous reporting and communication. We assure not to perform any steps in order to identify anonymous whistleblowers, who do not misuse our Whistleblower System. Retaliation of whistleblowers and all persons who contribute to investigations will not be tolerated. Persons implicated are presumed innocent until the violation is proven. Investigations will be conducted with the utmost confidentiality. The information will be processed in a fair, fast and protected process.
How do we process your report?
The qualified and experienced colleagues at the Investigation Office examine every report for potential misconduct by an Audi South Africa employee thoroughly and follow it up systematically. First, you will get a confirmation of receipt. The Investigation Office then assesses your report. This includes gathering facts particularly from the whistleblower. Only if this initial evaluation shows grounds for suspicion of a violation an investigation by a dedicated Investigating Unit will be started. Afterwards, the results of the investigation will be assessed by the Investigation Office and appropriate measures will be recommended. Information about the status* and the outcome of the procedure will be given to you without undue delay.
* The processing time varies depending on the subject of the procedure
Potential 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 Investigation Office - as well as reports requiring otherwise immediate action. The Investigation Office will inform the responsible departments, who will process the issue accordingly. This particularly includes taking the necessary measures to minimize or end violations and/or risks.
Do you have any concern or feedback regarding a Audi product or service?
If you have any questions or inquiries regarding your new or used vehicle, feedback, customer complaints, concerns involving a business partner or about services provided by Audi please contact us. We kindly ask for your understanding that the Whistleblower System unfortunately cannot process customer complaints.
Ombudspersons
Volkswagen has appointed external lawyers to act as Ombudspersons. They advise on the Whistleblower System or ensure that reports from whistleblowers are forwarded anonymously to the Investigation Office if desired.
If you want to get in contact with the Ombudsperson you can find their contact details here: http://www.ombudsmen-of-volkswagen.com
You can get in contact with the Central Investigation Office of Volkswagen via e-mail:
io@volkswagen.de
Central Investigation Office
Postal address:
Volkswagen AG
Central Investigation Office
Mailbox 1717
Berliner Ring 2
38436 Wolfsburg, Germany
In person:
Please make an appointment in advance writing an E-mail to io@volkswagen.de.
Do you have further questions?
Questions or suggestions for improvement concerning the Whistleblower System can also be addressed to the Investigation Office.
If you have been interviewed in terms of an investigation, you have the possibility to give feedback to the Ombudsperson as independent body