Our Business Principles govern everything we do and say, they are our code of ethics. They serve as a compass for us to behave and make decisions based on integrity, commitment and transparency.
Why have principles
- They guide us when we act as individuals as well as in teams, both within and outside the company.
- They define how we should behave towards customers, employees, suppliers, shareholders and society in general.
- They reflect unique, non-negotiable standards. For Telefónica, integrity means a commitment to zero tolerance of fraud and corruption.
- The principles allow us to forge ahead with our long-term vision, helping us to be a company committed to the development of society and the care of the planet.
- Download the PrinciplesOur Business PrinciplesPDF | 717 KB
- Princípios de Negócio Responsável (PT-BR)PDF | 716 KB
“Acting with integrity, commitment and transparency is at our core and helps us generate trust-based relationships”
How do we implement them?
In order to ensure that our Responsible Business Principles are the common thread running through everything we do:
- We train our employees with a compulsory online course, which we complement with other training activities, whether online or face-to-face, to dive deeper into some principles, stressing the importance of putting them into practice.
- We set strategic objectives in our Responsible Business Plan, approved by the Board of Directors.
- We develop and approve corporate policies on relevant matters related to the Responsible Business Principles.
89% of our workforce have already passed the Responsible Business Principles course and the goal is to reach 100% of our employees
How do we ensure compliance?
Customers, employees, suppliers, shareholders and any other stakeholders have access to the Queries Channel on our website. This channel allows queries to be made about any matters related to the Responsible Business Principles and/or any alleged irregularities or acts that are contrary to the law or the internal regulations to be reported. The channel guarantees confidentiality and enables queries and reports to be made anonymously. At Telefónica, we diligently and respectfully follow up on any communications received, and we are committed to responding and acting, when necessary, within a reasonable period of time.
Company-wide policies
Global policies and regulations with which all employees must comply:
Artificial Intelligence Principles
We were one of the first companies in the world to have ethical AI guidelines in 2018.
Integrity
At Telefónica, we have zero tolerance of corruption and bribery, and we have internal policies and procedures in place to combat them.
Security
We are guided by legality, efficiency, co-responsibility, cooperation and coordination.
Occupational Health, Safety and Well-being
We take care of working conditions and promote a healthy culture.
Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to ensuring equality.
Global Environmental and Energy Policy
We set out the environmental and energy management guidelines in accordance with ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 standards.
Responsible Communications
We have communication and content generation guidelines.
Supply Chain Sustainability
We have a code of conduct for all suppliers.
Risk Management
Proper risk management contributes to value creation and business development.
Internal control
In accordance with the Principles of Responsible Business, we establish adequate controls to evaluate and manage the relevant risks for Telefónica and we coordinate the policy framework, through the supervision of the process of defining the internal policies and rules.
