SpeakUp reporting channel
1. What is SpeakUp?
SpeakUp is a confidential reporting channel of Kesko Group. The reporting channel is an important tool to uphold customers' and stakeholders' trust in Kesko’s business. Employees of Kesko Group, as well as suppliers, customers and other stakeholders can report suspected criminal offences or misconduct or actions against the K Code of Conduct.
Employees and consultants should primarily report their suspicions to their manager or responsible person at Kesko. When for some reason the information can not be delivered to the persons in charge at Kesko, the SpeakUp channel should be used. All information is handled confidentially. It also possible to leave anonymous reports.
The SpeakUp service is maintained by People InTouch, an independent company. In addition to Kesko, the patented SpeakUp® reporting system is used by numerous well-known companies.
2. Which matters can be reported through the Kesko SpeakUp channel?
You can report any suspected criminal offence or misconduct. SpeakUp can also be used for suspected violations of securities markets regulations. Please note that the channel is not intended for reporting urgent matters, such as situations threating general security.
The SpeakUp channel is not intended for giving customer feedback, and no customer feedback will be processed. Customer feedback can be given through the customer feedback link.
Reporting criminal offences and misconduct in bad faith is forbidden and may have legal consequences.
3. Who will investigate the reports?
The personnel of People InTouch will process any messages submitted through the service and organise translations when needed. They are bound by strict confidentiality requirements. It is impossible for Kesko to find out the IP addresses or other identification information related to the report.
The reports received through the SpeakUp channel are investigated by Senior Vice President, Group General Counsel and the Compliance & Ethics Officer. The investigation may require assistance from other experts or officials. The Chief Audit Officer also has access rights to the system. Assistance from other specialists or officials may be needed to conduct an investigation.
4. How is the confidentiality of my information guaranteed?
All reports are investigated in full confidentiality. Kesko guarantees that it will protect all persons who have made the reports in good faith and that they will face no retaliation for their reports.
Even though an investigation may require assistance from other experts, the identity of the of whistleblower will not be revealed unless necessary for the investigation. In some, especially HR.related cases, an investigation of the report may be impossible without processing the whistleblower's personal information by other experts or officials.
Kesko complies with all applicable legislation also with regard to the investigation of reports and the protection of whistleblowers. In accordance with the Directive (EU) 2019/1937 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2019 on the protection of persons who report breaches of Union law, Kesko is obliged to protect all persons reporting on breaches of EU law. In addition to applicable legislation, Kesko provides protection to all individuals who report in good faith through the SpeakUp channel. Additional information on Kesko’s anti-harassment principles can be found here.
Reports can also be made anonymously. However, please note that further information may be needed for the investigation to be completed. If the report is anonymous and the whistleblower does not respond to questions sent via SpeakUp channel it may be impossible to finalise the investigation.
5. How to submit a message?
You can submit a message either by phone or on the web service. Whichever system you choose, it is advised to write down your message beforehand so that the message will be as clear as possible. Please remember to include all information relevant for the investigation. You can submit your message in your local language of your choosing, and it will be translated when necessary.
To use the phone, dial the following phone number: 0800113031
To use the web service, go to: www.speakupfeedback.eu/web/heye3r/fi
You will be asked to enter the following access code: 17270
You will receive a six-digit case number. It is very important that you write it down. This case number will enable you to come back later and read or listen to the response from Kesko.
If you use the phone, you can leave your message after the beep. Make sure to articulate your message as clearly as possible. When you are finished, hang up.
If you use the web service, you can type in or simply copy/paste your message. When you are finished, press the ‘send message’ button; a screen with the case number and your message will appear, and you can print it out. You can also attach any relevant documents to your message.
You can also send your reports per post to:
Kesko Corporation
Legal Affairs, Head of Compliance & Ethics
PO Box 1
FIN-00016 KESKO
You can also request a meeting with the Compliance & Ethics department to discuss your report by calling +358 105 311. A meeting will be organised as soon as possible and everything discussed in the meeting will be confidential.
6. When do I receive a response to my message?
Within a week, a response from Kesko will be ready for you. When the investigation is finalised, or at the latest within three months, Kesko will post the result/status of the investigation. If you used the phone to leave your message, the response will be also be given on the phone service. If you used the web service, you will get the response in the web service.
