This week Apple launched the Ethics and Compliance webpage to detail internal efforts that allow it to conduct business ethically and in accordance with local laws.
The new site takes a look at the company’s compliance policies.
“We believe that how we conduct ourselves is as critical to Apple’s success as making the best product in the world. Our Business Conduct and Compliance policies are fundamental to how we conduct ourselves. doing business and how we apply our values every day, “Apple says.
Apple provides an overview of its Business Conduct Policy, which requires employees to verify that they have read when they enter the company, and again each year. Failure to adhere to the policies may result in termination. Employees are also required to undertake annual Business Conduct training.
In 2020, Apple employees collectively completed more than 555,000 individual courses designed to educate on the implementation of company policies. Managers receive additional training, while contractors are coached on ethical business conduct, confidentiality, privacy, and important laws.
Apple’s policies on business conduct, anti-corruption, export and sanctions, labor and human rights and environmental protection are in the supply chain, trust and competition, the code of conduct of channel members, human rights, and public policy application visible through the site. A separate section outlines expectations and requirements for business partners.
Beyond instructions, the tech giant installs tools to ensure policy is adhered to. The Business Conduct and Global Compliance team, for example, focuses on Business Conduct, Political Compliance, Export Compliance and Sanctions, Health Compliance, Antitrust Compliance, and Anti-Corruption Compliance. Internal and external audits of the programs are conducted, while the Chief Compliance Officer provides regular updates to the Board ‘s Audit and Finance Committee, Apple says.
Finally, Apple maintains compliance reporting tools for both employees and outside parties. The company says it will not retaliate against individuals who submit reports or participate in the investigation of any complaint.