Whistleblower protection within the WEISS Group
Conduct in compliance with the rules is a top priority for the entire WEISS Group (hereinafter referred to as WEISS) in all areas. The trust of our employees, clients and business partners is based on integrity, trust, fairness and compliance. In order for us to be able to meet these requirements at all times, it is important to learn of potential misconduct in good time and to put a stop to it.
For this reason, WEISS has set up a whistleblower system that offers you the opportunity to report information (also anonymously). A fair whistleblowing system is an important instrument. It helps to quickly uncover legal and regulatory violations, to investigate them without delay and to put an end to proven misconduct.
In this context, it is very important for us to make clear that it is not about false accusations, but we want to make our companies better! An open culture of values, the timely recognition of violations of company regulations and the protection of whistleblowers increases trust in our employees and WEISS.
The persons in charge check every report and follow it up consistently. If you contact them, they will guarantee the greatest possible protection for whistleblowers, those affected and the employees involved in clarifying the information.
Who belongs to the WEISS Group? For whom or via whom can a report be submitted?
WM Beteiligungs- und Verwaltungs-GmbH & Co. KG
Weiss-Druck GmbH & Co. KG
Weiss-Verlag GmbH & Co. KG
Weiss-Direktservice GmbH & Co. KG
Weiss-Intermedia GmbH & Co. KG
MW Grafiksatz GmbH & Co. KG
TW Wochenspiegel GmbH & Co. KG
S-W Verlag GmbH & Co. KG für Lokalinformationen
DVH Weiss-Druck GmbH & Co. KG
Weiss-Einkauf GmbH & Co. KG
Wochenkurier Lokalverlag GmbH & Co. KG
Weiss-Logistik GmbH & Co. KG
Weigro GmbH
Weiss-Druck Stiftung
Submit a report - but do it properly!
In order for your report to be processed and investigated appropriately, it is important that the report is as specific as possible. It is helpful if you consider the five W-questions in your report: Who? What? When? How? Where?
As the person providing the information, please make sure that your descriptions can also be understood by people outside your field of expertise. It is helpful if you are available for further questions.
What is meant by violations?
Examples of violations are embezzlement, theft, corruption, sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g. on the basis of gender), non-compliance with legal requirements or acting against product rights.
Reporting potential misconduct - but how?
1. online reporting form:
You can submit your report via an online form: weissgruppe.de/hinweisgebersystem/formular-hinweisgeberschutzgesetz.html
2. email:
You can contact them via the following email address: hinweisgebermeldestelle(at)weissgruppe(dot)de
3. hotline:
You can also contact the individuals by telephone: +49 (0)2472-982-823.
4. mail:
You can also report potential misconduct by post.
Address:
Persönlich/Vertraulich
Hinweisgeberstelle WEISS
Hans-Georg-Weiss-Str. 7
52156 Monschau
What happens after the report?
WEISS is committed to protecting whistleblowers. For this reason, persons have been commissioned to process reports independently.
These persons act as neutral, independent intermediaries. The persons appointed by WEISS receive your reports of potential misconduct and check whether they are plausible and valid (plausibility check).
If necessary and if the identity of the whistleblower is known, the persons remain in contact with the whistleblower and communicate on an ongoing basis. In order to investigate and clarify a matter, the persons also pass on information to the decision-makers at WEISS. All reports are treated confidentially by the persons and the whistleblower decides for him/herself whether he/she wishes to preserve his/her identity vis-à-vis WEISS or not. The persons ensure at all times that reports from whistleblowers who do not wish to be identified are forwarded anonymously.
As long as a violation has not been proven, there is a presumption of innocence.