About AZethics
Reporting – General
Reporting Security & Confidentiality
Tips & Best Practices
About AZethics
What is AZethics?
AZethics is a safe place where you (AstraZeneca employees or third parties) can raise concerns about potential breaches of AstraZeneca’s Code of Ethics, its supporting standards and policies, or any potential breach of law or regulations. It is a comprehensive and confidential reporting tool, created by NAVEX (an independent third party on AstraZeneca’s behalf), that enables management and employees to work together to address your concerns, if you have seen or suspect something is wrong. People—and companies—learn from mistakes. You have a right and a duty to speak your mind so the company can correct and learn, continuing to cultivate a positive work environment.
Why does AstraZeneca need a system like AZethics?
By creating open channels for respectful communication, AstraZeneca aims to promote a positive work environment and maximize productivity. AZEthics complements our other efforts to foster a healthy Speak Your Mind culture, integrity and ethical decision-making.
Reporting – General
Should I report to my manager or instead use either the Internet or the telephone?
Talk with your manager first. If you are uncomfortable with that, contact your Human Resources, Legal, or Compliance representative. If you do not feel able to do so, then the AZEthics website or telephone option is available to you. You may also report anonymously if you feel necessary and your local laws allow.
What types of situations should I report and why should I report?
If you see or suspect something is a potential breach of AstraZeneca’s Code of Ethics, internal standards and/or policies, a process deficiency, and/or a potential breach of law or regulation then report your concern. You have a right and a duty to speak up so the company can correct and learn; we do the right thing.
Does management really want me to report?
People—and companies—learn from mistakes. If you see or suspect something is wrong, report your concerns. AstraZeneca management does not tolerate retaliation against anyone who makes a report in good faith. AstraZeneca will fully investigate reports of non-compliance with the Code and take proper disciplinary action, which may include termination, depending on the circumstances.
Where do these reports go? Who can access them?
All matters are handled as confidentially as possible and the information you provide is kept confidential and communicated only on a need-to-know basis, unless otherwise required by law or necessary to appropriately investigate the concern.
Anyone who participates in an internal investigation is expected to treat the matter with utmost discretion and respect the confidentiality of the process. Anyone who raises a concern about a possible compliance breach in good faith will not be subject to retaliation and management takes such allegations extremely seriously.
Isn’t this system just an example of someone watching over me?
No. AZethics is one positive element of ensuring a safe, secure and ethical workplace. You are encouraged to seek guidance on ethical dilemmas, provide positive suggestions, or communicate a concern. Effective communication is critical in today’s workplace and this is a great tool to enhance that communication.
Reporting Security & Confidentiality
It is my understanding that any report I send from a company computer generates a server log that shows every website that my PC connects with. Won’t this log identify me as the report originator?
NAVEX does not generate or maintain any internal connection logs with IP addresses, so no information linking your PC to AZethics is available.
If you feel uncomfortable making a report on your work PC, you have the option of using a PC outside your work environment (such as one located at an Internet café or at a friend’s house) through the AZethics secure website. Many people choose this option, as NAVEX data shows that fewer than 12% of reports are generated during business hours.
Can I file a report from home and still remain anonymous?
A report from home, a neighbor’s computer, or any Internet portal will remain secure and anonymous. An Internet portal never identifies a visitor by screen name and the AZethics system strips away Internet addresses so that anonymity is totally maintained.
Is the telephone toll-free hot line confidential and anonymous too?
Yes. You will be asked to provide the same information that you would provide in an Internet-based report and an interviewer will type your responses into the AZethics Web site. These reports have the same security and confidentiality measures applied to them during delivery.
What if I want to be identified with my report?
There is a section in the report to identify yourself, if you wish.
Tips & Best Practices
I am aware of some individuals acting unethically, but it doesn't affect me. Why should I bother reporting it?
AstraZeneca promotes a Speak Your Mind culture. You should be an active bystander. Anyone who experiences or witnesses a potential breach of the Code of Ethics or supporting standards or policies has a duty to report it, do the right thing. AstraZeneca employees and third parties are all responsible for making sure the work environment is productive, safe and free of unethical conduct.
I am not sure if what I have observed or heard is a violation of AstraZeneca’s policy, or involves unethical conduct, but it just does not look right to me. What should I do?
Share your concern. NAVEX can help you describe your concern so it can be properly understood. AstraZeneca does not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.
What if my boss or other managers are involved in a violation or concern? Won’t they get the report and start a cover-up?
The AZethics system and report distribution ensure that implicated parties are not notified or granted access to reports in which they have been named.
What if I remember something important about the incident after I file the report? Or what if AstraZeneca has further questions for me concerning my report?
When you file a report at the AZethics Web site or through the AZethics Call Center, you receive a unique, randomized number called a “Report Key” and are asked to choose a password. You can return to the AZethics system again either by Internet or telephone and access the original report to add more detail or answer questions posed by a Company representative. We strongly suggest that you return to the site in the time specified to answer Company questions.
Are these follow-ups on reports as secure as the first one?
All AZethics correspondences are held in the same strict confidence as the initial report, continuing under the umbrella of anonymity.
What if I lose my Report Key or forget the Password I created?
To ensure that security and confidentiality is maintained, if you lose your report key or password, you will need to file a new report. Mention in the new report that it is related to a report or question you previously submitted.
Can I still file a report if I don’t have access to the Internet?
You can file an AZethics report from any computer that can access the Internet. You can file from home. Many public locations, including the public library, have Internet computers. If you don’t have access to or are uncomfortable using a computer, you can call the AZethics toll-free hotline, which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.