Code of Conduct

Introduction

PRNS GLOBAL CERTIFICATIONS PRIVATE LIMITED (PRNS) aims to be the best sustainable and independent provider of services for inspection, certification and training. We are committed to a socially responsible market economy and the basic principles of freedom, volition and equal opportunity. These values underlie our social responsibility that we uphold as company.

PRNS Code of Conduct contains the principles and rules that are decisive for us in our dealings with colleagues, business partners, customers and the broader public. The principles set out in this document are minimum standards that are binding for all employees and therefore also for PRNS senior management teams. Our Code of Conduct thus represents a set of guidelines to follow in our everyday work. It increases mutual understanding, supports us in carrying out our everyday work and ultimately helps us to be a successful service provider on the global markets.

PRNS expects all team members s to take the necessary time to familiarize them- selves with this Code of Conduct and integrate it into their everyday work. If any problems or questions arise regarding the implementation of this Code, you should contact your manager or a compliance officer.

Scope

All PRNS team members have a duty to always conduct themselves in a professional manner and to apply high professional standards in carrying out their work to enable them to perform their duties competently and with impartiality. This document provides guidance on the points which need to be kept in mind and which if overlooked, might adversely affect an auditor’s conduct and ethical behaviours.

Not allow us to become involved in activities that clearly aim to manipulate statutory or other regulations. All team members may ask managers or compliance officers for advice if they are unsure about how to apply this code or other internal guidelines.

The term “Team Members” refers to all full-time and part-time employees, managers, senior managers and member of the Executive Board or the Supervisory Board of PRNS.

Responsibilities

Employees and Representatives

• Adhere to the principles outlined in this Code of Conduct.
• Report any breaches of this Code of Conduct to the appropriate authority within PRNS
• Cooperate with any investigations into breaches of this Code of Conduct.

Management

• Promote a culture of integrity, impartiality, and professionalism.
• Ensure that all employees and representatives understand and adhere to this Code of Conduct.
• Address any breaches of this Code of Conduct promptly and effectively.

General Principals and Ethics

Anti-Discrimination

PRNS expects all Team Members to respect the personal dignity, private life and personal rights of each individual. We do not tolerate discrimination on any grounds; for example, age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, religion or disability. Personal or sexual harassment, insults and bullying are prohibited. Using violence or threatening the use of violence or physical punishment is forbidden.

Health and Safety

Safe working equipment and working conditions must be available for all team members. Appropriate measures shall be taken to prevent accidents at the workplace and to counter occupational health hazards.

Conflict of Interest

• Identify and disclose any situations that may present a conflict of interest.
• Refrain from participating in certification activities where a conflict of interest exists.
• Take steps to resolve any conflicts of interest in a transparent and ethical manner.

Fair Treatment

• Treat all clients and stakeholders with fairness and respect.
• Ensure that decisions are based on objective evidence and free from bias.
• Provide equal opportunities for all clients seeking certification.

Transparency

• Communicate openly and honestly with clients and stakeholders.
• Provide clear and accurate information about certification processes, criteria, and outcomes.
• Disclose any fees, charges, and financial arrangements associated with certification services.

Accountability

• Take responsibility for all actions and decisions made in the course of certification activities.
• Ensure that any errors or issues are addressed promptly and effectively.
• Maintain accurate and complete records of all certification activities.

Ethical Behaviour

• Uphold the reputation and integrity of PRNS.
• Avoid any behaviour that could bring the certification body into disrepute.
• Act in a manner that fosters trust and confidence in the certification process.

PRNS team members in promoting high standards of ethical conduct, shall

• act solely in the best interest of PRNS, and its clients, while performing their duties
• conduct themselves professionally, with truth, accuracy, fairness and responsibility
• act impartially ensuring that he/she is independent in judgment and actions and takes all reasonable steps to be satisfied as to the soundness of all decisions taken.
• disclose his/her past and present associations with the entity to be audited and/or the group of companies to which it belongs or any entity engaged in audit.
• not misrepresent their qualifications, competence or experience, nor undertake assignments beyond their capabilities
• treat in a confidential and private manner all information gained in relation to any of the organization’s identified activities of accreditation and certification of specific organizations or individuals; unless authorized in writing to disclose such information by the organization, and the organization’s client (when applicable), and
• shall not discuss such information with anyone except those who have a need to know the information for legitimate purposes of the accreditation, registration or certification processes;
• shall not disclose any details of audit findings, neither during nor after the audit process
• Treat in a confidential and private manner all information which may be considered “confidential” when the prudent judgment of an organization could determine that such information is private and confidential to the organization and recognize that the organization may receive information that is not identified clearly as confidential but which may be perceived as confidential.
• treat in a confidential and private manner all information gained in relation to any of the above entities’ activities wherein such information may include, inter alia:
• any device, graphics, written material or other information in tangible or intangible form, clearly identified as “confidential”, relating to the activities of the organization;
• any device, graphics, written material or other information in tangible or intangible form, identifiable as private by the nature of its content and/or context
• Not intentionally communicate false or misleading information which may compromise the integrity of the accreditation, registration and certification processes or decisions therein.
• respect the peers opinion and conduct to ensure that honesty and openness is demonstrated within an audit team
• react openly and professionally in the event of non-ethical behaviour of peers
• inform each organization, or client of any business connections, interests or affiliations which might influence my judgment or impair the equitable character of your services.
• not disclose information concerning the confidential business affairs or technical processes of any present or former organization, or client without its proper consent.
• act professionally, accurately and in an unbiased manner.
• maintain confidentiality in regard to all work involved with the affairs of PRNS clients.
• not have any personal interest in the affairs of the companies audited.
• not provide auditing or technical specialist services to companies to whom consultancy or training services have also been provided at least in the previous two and a half years.
• not offer or provide consulting or training services to companies to whom auditing services have been provided at least in the previous two and a half years.
• not remove any documents from any clients premises unless it is part of the auditing activity and approved by the client.
• use due care and diligence in fulfilling the functions of an auditor and exercising any powers attached therewith.
• remain bound by confidentiality even after opting out/retiring from PRNS panel of auditors/ experts.
• refrain from using his/her mobile phone during audits except during breaks/lunch time.
• not accept any inducement, commission, gift or any other benefit from a client, their employees or any third party.

Compliance and Enforcement

Compliance with this Code of Conduct is mandatory for all personnel associated with PRNS.

Any breaches of this Code of Conduct will be investigated and may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment or contracts.

Regular audits and reviews will be conducted to ensure adherence to this Code of Conduct.

Doc. No.: PRNS-F-059
Rev.00
Effective Dt: 18-03-2023