We encourage employees to seek advice from an ethics officer, their line manager or the helpline if they have a concern or do not understand any aspect of our ethics policy.
Employees are required to report suspected cases of unethical conduct through their line manager, or confidentially through our independently-managed ethics helpline. The helpline number is listed in our ethics publications and on our internal websites. During 2005 we set up local toll-free helplines in most of the countries where we operate (23 in total).
Our ethics helpline email address can be used by all employees worldwide: ethics.helpline@baesystems.com
In 2006, 62 enquiries were made to the UK helpline and to the worldwide email address from the UK, compared with 31 in 2005. These covered a variety of topics including HR practices and employee relations and conduct, conflicts of interest as well as requests for guidance on ethics policies and procedures.
In the US, there were 348 formal enquiries (including 186 requiring formal investigation) to ethics officers through the helpline, by mail, email and visits to the ethics office. These covered a variety of topics including conflicts of interest, misuse of Company assets, gifts and gratuities, intimidating or threatening conduct, hiring practices and overcharging for services given.
When we do find evidence of unethical conduct disciplinary action is taken. Disciplinary actions in the US and UK have ranged from formal reprimand to suspension without pay and termination of employment. During 2006, 50 employees were dismissed for reasons relating to unethical behaviour.
Types of calls to ethics helpline - UK and Rest of World (%)
Types of calls to ethics helpline - US (%)
