Code of Conduct 5 Jan 2018
Code of Conduct 5 Jan 2018
1.INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................3
4.ACCOUNTABILITY ................................................................................................21
4.1 Responsibilities of Directors ........................................................................... 21
4.2 Responsibilities of Executives ........................................................................ 21
4.3 Responsibilities of Managers and Supervisors .............................................. 22
4.4 Responsibilities of all Personnel .................................................................. 22
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6. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................ 23
6.1 Reporting of all Fraud Related Issues ............................................................ 23
6.2 Reporting of Non-Compliance with the Code ................................................ 24
6.3 Protection against Retaliation……………………………………………………. .25
6.4 Investigation of any breach of the Code………………………………………….25
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1. INTRODUCTION
• honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent
conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships;
While this Code outlines the minimum standards of behaviour required of each
of its directors, officers, and employees, Sims also expects all its personnel and
contractors to strive to achieve levels of performance which exceed basic
compliance. The Sims board of directors is strongly committed both to the letter
of this Code and to the spirit of best practice underpinning it, and expects
similar commitment from all Sims’ officers, employees and contractors. Please take
the time to read this Code carefully. In following these principles, you should
feel confident and comfortable that you are conducting yourself appropriately.
This Code is subject to the overriding principles in section 9, and should also be
read in conjunction with the various policies and associated plans and handbooks
of Sims which (among other things) address in more detail some of the topics
covered in this document.
Alistair Field
Group Chief Executive Officer
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2. SCOPE & APPLICABILITY
2.1 Scope
The following requirements and related information in this document constitute the
Code of Conduct (the “Code”) of Sims Metal Management Limited (together with its
consolidated (controlled) subsidiaries, the “Company” or “Sims”), which applies to
the Company’s officers (including the board of directors of the Company (“Board”))
and employees (collectively, “Company Personnel”). Certain of the requirements
and related information in this Code apply not only to Company Personnel but also
to agents, consultants, contractors and partners of the Company (“Non-Company
Personnel”)(Non-Company Personnel and Company Personnel collectively,
“Personnel"). All references in this Code to “senior managers” should be read to
include the heads of each business unit and those senior managers who directly
report to them. References in this Code to “employees” should be read to include
all the Company's employees, including executives and senior managers.
This Code reflects general principles and sets out general requirements to guide
Personnel in making ethical decisions and cannot, and is not intended to, address
every specific situation. As such, nothing in this Code prohibits or restricts the
Company from taking any disciplinary action on any matters pertaining to employee
conduct, whether it is expressly discussed in this document or not. Nothing in this
document creates any employment contract between the Company and any
Personnel.
2.2 Applicability
The guidelines set forth in this Code apply to all Personnel and all Company-related
transactions. Each Personnel must be familiar with this Code and its applicability to
his or her function. Moreover, those with supervisory responsibilities must ensure
that employees under their direction or control are acquainted with applicable
portions of this Code. Company officers and directors also should be aware that
there are special legal requirements not covered by this Code that apply to
corporate fiduciaries.
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The Company’s internal auditors, Human Resources department and Compliance
Counsel (as defined in Section 6.2) will monitor compliance with the Code to assure
that the Company conducts itself in a manner consistent with its obligations to
society and its shareholders. The Risk, Audit & Compliance Committee of the
Board (“RAC Committee”) will oversee such compliance efforts and periodically
review and recommend necessary changes to the Board.
3.1 Company Core Values; Compliance with Ethics and the Law
Consistent with its commitment to operate its business responsibly, the Company
has adopted the following as a list of its fundamental Core Values:
• Safety: Safety will always be our first priority. We believe that all injury
incidents are preventable and we are committed to a goal of zero injuries.
• Integrity: We conduct all business with integrity and adhere to the highest
standard of ethical business conduct.
• Respect: We will treat each other, our customers, visitors and community
members with respect and dignity.
Consistent with the Company’s Core Values, Personnel must act honestly and
ethically at all times and comply with the letter and, where it is clear, the spirit of all
laws and regulations relating to their business conduct. This includes understanding
the governmental requirements relevant to their work and complying with the legal
requirements of the country in which they are working.
The laws that govern the Company’s activities are often complex, but ignorance of
them does not excuse the Company or Personnel from their obligation to comply.
Even the appearance of illegal, dishonest or inappropriate behavior could have a
negative impact on the Company and its Personnel.
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The Company’s approach to compliance with its Core Values and governmental
requirements is to establish and implement its compliance requirements in the
context of a robust compliance program. That program, for the Company, consists
of six elements:
• Tone. Setting the tone from the top – ethical conduct as a Core Value.
In order to implement this Code in a manner consistent with the Company’s Core
Values and the requirements of the several countries in which the Company does
business, it is imperative that Personnel conduct themselves in a manner which not
only is, but is also perceived to be, in accordance with the highest standards of
honesty and integrity.
Consequences
Aside from being a breach of this Code and of the Company’s Core Values, a
breach of certain governmental requirements at any level could have serious
consequences both for the Company and for the individuals concerned. Such
breaches may result in –
• civil lawsuits and even criminal charges and conviction, and civil and/or
criminal penalties for both the Company and the individual and, for the
individual, possible imprisonment.
Even just allegations of violations of such requirements may result in the incurring
of significant legal fees to investigate and defend such allegations.
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The remainder of this Code outlines some key requirements and guidance which all
employees and other applicable Personnel must follow. However, Personnel should
keep in mind that these requirements are not exhaustive. This Code cannot
possibly summarise all applicable requirements. Furthermore, the particular
compliance issues relevant to the Company may change as the Company's
activities and/or the applicable regulatory environments evolve.
Accordingly, Personnel are expected to be pro-active in upholding not just the letter
of this Code, but also the spirit of honesty and integrity underpinning it. If any
Personnel is unclear about any aspect of this Code, or encounter any situation or
practice which appears inconsistent with, or questionable in light of, this Code,
those Personnel should raise the issue promptly. Details of where to go for
assistance are contained in Sections 5 and 6.
The requirements in this Code are to be strictly adhered to at all times and under all
circumstances.
• Safety and Health. The Company is committed to providing a safe and healthy
work environment. The safety of the individual comes before all other
considerations.
• Support. To achieve its commitment, the Company will support and implement
SHECS policies, standards and management systems. The Company’s
commitment to the continual improvement of SHECS in its business is
supported by leadership, policy, planning, implementation, measurement,
evaluation and management review.
Sims recognizes that its continued growth and success will only be achieved
through continual improvement of its SHECS program and commitment to industry
leadership.
Employees globally may register any legitimate concerns they may have in
accordance with the Reporting List described in Section 6.2, including anonymously
at www.simsmmhotline.com.
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The Company’s SHECS Principles are:
• providing a safe and healthy work environment for all its employees,
contractors, visitors and suppliers, and complying with all relevant occupational
health and safety requirements, including rules, regulations and standards
applicable in all the jurisdictions in which it operates;
• providing sufficient staff and monetary support, including the use of external
consultants as required, to ensure that best practices exist; and
In order to achieve these objectives, line managers are directly responsible for
ensuring that:
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Employees and contractors are expected to:
• look out for their own safety and that of other persons at work, including
visitors, contractors and suppliers.
The Company actively supports the concept of rehabilitation so that an injured
employee makes the best and quickest possible recovery from injury. If you have
any questions regarding this concept, please see Section 5.1 regarding where to go
for assistance.
Sims has adopted a Safety & Health Policy, a copy of which is available on the
Company’s website, outlining the Company's commitment to a safe and healthy
work environment. Personnel should familiarize themselves with that policy and
any plans made under it.
3.4 Environment
3.5 Community
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3.6 Sustainability
Sims recognizes that the management of its energy usage and reduction of carbon
emissions is fundamental to its viability, prosperity and public responsibility. As a
minimum, the Company will comply with all applicable energy and carbon
emissions laws, regulations and standards, including the monitoring and reporting
rules of the countries in which it operates. The Company will strive to achieve levels
of performance which exceed basic compliance. The Company has adopted an
Energy and Carbon Emissions Policy, a copy of which is available on the
Company’s website, outlining the commitment it has to reduce its energy
consumption and the associated carbon profile of its day-to-day operations.
Personnel should familiarize themselves with that policy and any plans made under
it.
It is the policy of Sims to produce and deliver products and services to its customers
that are of an internationally recognised standard and price competitive.
The Company strives, in accordance with its Core Values of integrity, respect and
transparency, to be honest and fair in all its business dealings. The Company will
vigorously compete, but do so fairly complying with all applicable laws protecting
competition and the integrity of all marketplaces in which it operates.
As set out in Section 3.1, the Company’s approach to compliance with its Core
Values and governmental requirements, including those pertaining to fair
competition, is to establish and implement its compliance requirements in the
context of a robust compliance program. That program for the Company consists
of the six elements described above: tone, policies, training, consultant/partner
compliance, controls, and consequences.
Aside from being a breach of this Code and of the Company’s Core Values, a
breach of governmental fair competition requirements could have serious
consequences both for the Company and for the individuals concerned. For further
detail, see under the heading ‘Consequences’ in Section 3.1.
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consistent with a proper inquiry. Reprisals for reporting genuine concerns about
discrimination or harassment are prohibited.
U.S., Australian and other countries’ federal securities and applicable state or
provincial securities laws generally prohibit trading on the basis of material, non-
public information (sometimes called “insider trading laws”).
Personnel may also from time to time have access to price-sensitive information
concerning other companies (for example, if they are involved in assessing a
company for possible acquisition by the Company, or in the negotiation or award of
an important contract to a supplier or customer of the Company). In such
circumstances, Personnel should again take care to ensure that they do not
communicate that information or deal in securities of that other company if to do so
would be unlawful.
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Aside from being a breach of this Code and of the Company’s Core Values, a
breach of securities trading requirements could have serious consequences both
for the Company and for the individuals concerned. For further details, see under
the heading ‘Consequences’ in Section 3.1.
Only in the absence of a local policy regarding alcohol and drug use for a Company
subsidiary, the following policy applies:
To prevent passive smoking exposure, all Company buildings and sites must either
be non-smoking or have designated smoking and non-smoking areas. Smoking is
prohibited in all Company offices, shared work areas and in other communal
areas such as conference rooms, lunchrooms, reception areas, first aid rooms,
and other places in which smoking creates a significant fire risk.
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If smoking areas are provided and allowed by law, they should be separated
from adjacent work areas, clearly marked, adequately ventilated and reasonably
convenient.
Personnel must not use Company funds, property, equipment, or other resources
for personal benefit unless the personal use of those benefits is authorised and
forms part of that Personnel’s documented employment contract or agreement.
Personnel are also responsible for safeguarding Company resources, including
information, under their control, and for maintaining accurate records regarding the
use of these resources. Instances of fraud by their very nature
represent unacceptable behaviour within the Company and should on all
occasions be reported to senior management. Fraud may involve some form of
deceit, theft, trickery or making of false statements, breach of trust with the object of
obtaining money or other benefit. A fraudulent act may have significant detrimental
consequences to the Company and the individuals involved.
At all times, employees are to use Company funds sensibly and effectively.
Expenditures must be reported in the manner prescribed by relevant Company
policy, and in a timely fashion. Submission of a fraudulent expense report is
regarded as serious misconduct which will result in appropriate disciplinary
action, up to and including dismissal.
Accurate and auditable records of all financial transactions relating to the Company
must be maintained, and Personnel must strictly abide with the Company’s
policies and procedures for handling cash purchases/payments. Non-financial
records (for example, personnel files, environmental documentation, safety
statistics, etc.) must also be accurately and rigorously maintained. Unauthorised
removal of Company equipment, supplies or other resources is regarded as theft.
Similarly, Company resources must not be sold, loaned, or donated without
management approval. Personnel should take appropriate precautions to prevent
theft, damage, or misuse of Company resources.
The storage and disposal of Company accounts, records and other documentation
should be in accordance with Company standards, guidelines and relevant
legislation. All Company records should be retained in accordance with the
Company’s document retention policies. For any questions regarding such policies
please contact appropriate management Personnel in accordance with the
Reporting List described in Section 6.2.
The Company has adopted an Acceptable Use Policy which, amongst other things,
prohibits the inappropriate use of information systems. Company Personnel should
familiarize themselves with, and abide by the requirements of, that policy, a copy of
which is available on the local Sims Intranet site.
Sims reserves the right to monitor and log the use by employees of its information
systems, including, but not limited to: email, internet access, mobile phone use,
telephone use, files contained on file servers and Company business applications,
provided that such right is in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations
and the Company’s Acceptable Use Policy. If you have any questions regarding the
scope or limits of this right, please see Section 5.1 regarding where to go for
assistance.
All employees must abide by specific policies on the use of email and the internet
applicable to relevant Company subsidiaries.
3.18 Confidentiality
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pictures or videos. It also may have been obtained through conversation or by
observation. It includes Company trade secrets of every kind and character.
Personnel are required to protect the Company’s Confidential Information and not
to use, publish, copy, disclose or allow to be disclosed, for the Personnel’s own
benefit or for the benefit of any person or entity other than the Company, such
Confidential Information, taking all reasonable precautions to protect the
Confidential Information from unauthorized disclosure or use.
During the course of its activities, Sims may collect, hold and use personal
information about individual Personnel along with individual suppliers of
goods and services, customers, employees and prospective employees.
Personal information is information or an opinion about an individual whose
identity is apparent or can reasonably be ascertained from the information
or opinion.
Any such information and opinions must be managed in a professional and ethical
manner and in accordance with governmental requirements.
Personnel must inform the Company of the results of all work done during or
outside of working hours that relates to the business or operation of the Company.
Sims is entitled to the exclusive benefits of any patents, copyright, etc. relating to or
resulting from this work, and Personnel may be required to assist the Company
in protecting such benefits.
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Sims also uses various trademarks, service marks, logos and business names in
its business. These are also valuable assets of the Company which need to be
protected. Personnel should always use these proprietary marks properly and
only for legitimate business purposes of the Company.
If in any doubt, a Company Personnel must disclose any potential or actual conflict
of interest situation by means of the Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form
(“Disclosure Form”) available on the Company’s Intranet, or from their relevant
regional Human Resources Department or from the Group Company Secretary. A
Company Personnel must not engage in any activity involving a potential conflict of
interest until approval has been given in accordance with the Conflict Of Interest
Approval Procedure provided with the Disclosure Form (“Conflicts Approval
Procedure”). The Conflicts Approval Procedure also describes to whom a Company
Personnel should submit the Disclosure Form.
For example:
• Conflicts of interest would not usually arise out of merely holding shares in a
listed company where such an interest comprises securities in widely-held
corporations that are quoted and sold on the open market, and the interest is
not material (less than five percent of the outstanding securities).
• Neither Company Personnel nor their immediate family members should have
interests or investments in, or employment with, a competitor, customer,
partner, supplier or other Non-Company Personnel of Sims that would create a
conflict of interest such as if the Company Personnel’s position in the
Company allows them to influence transactions with the other person or entity.
It may be, depending on the facts and circumstances, in conflict with the
Company’s interest, or a violation of trust, for a Company Personnel or any
immediate member or his or her family:
Directors and executive management must promptly inform the Sims Group Chief
Executive Officer or, if necessary (such as if the alleged violation involves the
Group Chief Executive Officer) the Chairperson of the RAC Committee (“RAC
Chairperson”), of any actual or potential conflicts of interest involving them or their
immediate family, and the Group Chief Executive Officer, or the RAC Chairperson,
as appropriate, will resolve any questions regarding such actual or potential
conflicts of interest.
In the case of directors, executives and other senior managers of Sims, specific
disclosure or approval requirements might also arise under law in regard to conflict
of interest situations.
As with any other violation of this Code, a violation of the above conflict of interest
provisions may result in disciplinary action or dismissal from employment. It may
also subject the Company Personnel or former Company Personnel to civil liability
and/or criminal prosecution under applicable law.
Even so, not every potential conflict of interest need be a Code violation. Under
some circumstances, following a full disclosure by the Company Personnel in
accordance with the Conflicts Approval Procedure, the Company may
independently determine to engage in a particular transaction or allow a particular
activity or other potential conflict of interest situation that is beneficial or not
detrimental to the Company notwithstanding the potential conflict. In such a case,
where approval has been given in accordance with the Conflicts Approval
Procedure, the above conflict of interest provisions are not violated. Therefore, the
effect of a particular actual or potential conflict of interest or violation of trust will
depend upon the nature of the conflict or violation, its disclosure by the Company
Personnel, receipt of appropriate approvals, its effect upon the Company, the
severity of the violation and the means available to recompense loss or prevent
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future injury. As per the Conflicts Approval Procedure, any conflict allowed by the
Company must include notification of, and written authorization by, the Group Chief
Executive Officer or, when appropriate, the RAC Chairperson.
The Company’s Anti-Corruption Policy sets forth the basic requirements regarding
anti-bribery and anti-corruption that Sims expects its Personnel to follow in their
dealings on behalf of the Company with governmental entities, the general public,
the Company’s customers, creditors, suppliers, agents, consultants, contractors,
partners and competitors, and with fellow Personnel.
Sims prohibits any form of bribery and corruption. Under no circumstances will the
Company approve any offers, making, requesting or receiving irregular payment or
payment in kind to win business or influence a business decision in the Company’s
favour or which has the intention that in consequence a function should be
performed improperly. Offers to and the making of bribes, ‘kick-backs’, secret
commissions and similar payments are strictly prohibited.
Personnel should refer to the Anti-Corruption Policy for further details on the
Company’s approach to address the risk of bribery and corruption, and information
and guidance on recognising and dealing with bribery and corruption.
Facilitation payments
As set out in the Anti-Corruption Policy, the Company prohibits the making of
’facilitation payments’ (relatively minor payments to lower level officials or
government employees in order to obtain ‘routine governmental action’ (as
described in the Anti-Corruption Policy).
Any Company Personnel who becomes aware of any actual or possible falsification
or mistake in the Company’s books, records or accounts, or who has reason to
believe that a false statement has been made, must report it, promptly, in
accordance with the Reporting List described in Section 6.2 or to the Company’s
Hotline).
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3.23 Gifts, Entertainment & Hospitality
Gifts, entertainment & hospitality include the receipt or offer of gifts, meals or
tokens of appreciation and gratitude, or invitations to sporting, entertainment and
cultural events, functions, or other social gatherings, in connection with matters
related to the Company’s business. These activities are generally acceptable
provided they:
If there is any doubt about their acceptability, the situation should be referred to a
senior manager or Compliance Counsel.
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At a minimum, no Company funds, property, time or any other thing of value shall
be contributed, expended or reimbursed for any campaign purpose or to any
candidate in connection with any election, primary election, political convention or
caucus in which a candidate or nominee for the office of President, Vice President,
Senator or Representative of Congress is to be voted upon or otherwise selected
(with respect to the United States and the equivalent in other countries), nor under
such circumstances shall the Company provide any indirect payment or support, in
any form or through any means, such as through consultants, suppliers, customers,
employees or other third parties.
Sims must also not participate in party politics. The Company does, however,
contribute to the public debate of policy issues that affects the Company in the
countries in which it operates. For example, Sims may discuss relevant issues with
government officials or provide written comments about the likely impact of
proposed policies on the Company. At times, attendance at events hosted by a
political party may be required for briefing purposes. Senior management should
exercise their discretion in deciding whether or not attendance at a function
would compromise Sims’ impartiality.
4. ACCOUNTABILITY
Under the Group Chief Executive Officer, the heads of each business, and the
senior managers who report directly to them, have operational responsibility for
ensuring compliance with this Code. In meeting this responsibility, they must
ensure that each business:
• establishes internal reporting and approval processes that address high risk
areas in relation to business conduct and ensure that breaches are
appropriately investigated and handled;
Managers and supervisors must take all reasonable steps to ensure that Company
Personnel and, where appropriate, Non-Company Personnel, are aware of and
comply with this Code. They must consult the next level of management if problems
occur. Managers and supervisors must also:
• ensure that all employees have access to appropriate Company policies and
procedures;
Alternatively, Company Personnel may report their concerns to the Sims Metal
Management Ethics & Compliance Hotline (“Hotline”) as described in section 6.2.
The Hotline is operated by an independent third party and is available 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
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5. EMPLOYEE CONCERNS
Whenever possible, the employee should first discuss issues with his or her
immediate supervisor or manager. If he or she feels unable to do this, there are a
number of other avenues for raising a question or concern. The employee can
contact the appropriate Company Personnel in accordance with the Reporting List
described in Section 6.2.
Alternatively, you can report your concerns via the Hotline as described in section
6.2
Persons who have been identified as sources of guidance are responsible for
promptly responding to questions and concerns of Company Personnel regarding
business conduct. They must provide accurate information consistent with this
Code. All such questions and concerns will be treated seriously.
6. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Company Personnel must promptly report any suspected breach of this Code
related to fraud, misappropriation or corruption in business transactions of which
they become aware. The report should be to the appropriate level of management
designated in the Reporting List described in Section 6.2, including, as appropriate,
to the Company Compliance Officer, the Chief Human Resources Officer or the
Group Company Secretary, the Group Chief Executive Officer or, if necessary
(such as if the alleged violation involves an executive officer or a director), the
Chairperson of the RAC Committee.
In all instances where fraud is suspected, Company Personnel should not confront
the parties involved but should report their concerns to the appropriate level of
management designated in the Reporting List described in Section 6.2.
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Where illegal activities are suspected, local management Company Personnel are
responsible for securing all documentary evidence and Company assets and taking
steps to safeguard financial records, including access to computerised networks
and systems.
The highest standards of conduct are critical to Sims’ reputation and success and,
therefore, Personnel are encouraged to report any actual or suspected breaches of
the Code. While Personnel should be able to report any such breach, serious
breaches requiring expedited reporting by Personnel include any conduct or event
involving impropriety which:
If you become aware of conduct which causes you concern, you should
immediately report it. Whenever possible, you should first discuss issues with your
immediate supervisor or manager. If you feel unable to do this, there are other
avenues for raising a question or concern. You can contact the following “Reporting
List” at the first level listed below you believe you will be able to confidentially report
to:
• the senior manager or executive responsible for the department in which the
issue arose (e.g. export trading; commercial); or
• the Group Compliance Officer (the Group Vice President of Internal Audit, in
Chicago, IL); or
Alternatively, Company Personnel may report their concerns to the Sims Metal
Management Ethics, Safety & Compliance Hotline (“Hotline”). The Hotline is
operated by Covercent, an independent third party, and is available 24 hours a day,
7 days a week, 365 days a year. All Company Personnel globally may do so on-line
at www.simsmmhotline.com. Alternatively, Company Personnel may call the
telephone number listed on the www.simsmmhotline.com website under the ‘Call Us’
section for their specific country.
Full details of the Hotline are available from your manager or local Human
Resources Department.
Persons who have been identified as sources of guidance or contact are responsible
for promptly responding to Personnel's questions and concerns regarding business
conduct. They should provide accurate information consistent with this Code. All
such questions and concerns will be treated seriously.
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The course of action taken to resolve a concern will depend on the nature of the
issue and its severity. It may be possible to resolve a matter by involving only one
person. However, some situations such as those involving significant legal or
financial issues may require guidance and input from additional sources (for
example, legal advisers, auditors, etc). In all cases, confidentiality will be maintained
to the highest degree possible.
The Company strictly prohibits any unlawful discrimination or retaliation against any
Personnel who, in good faith, discloses or reports known or suspected breaches of
this Code or known or suspected illegal acts by the Company or its Personnel.
Personnel who report in good faith a breach or suspected breach of this Code will
not be subject to retaliation or retribution or other recriminations for making that
report. Any Personnel who unlawfully discriminates or retaliates against any other
Personnel because the Personnel, in good faith, reported known or suspected
breaches of this Code, or known or suspected illegal acts by the Company or its
Personnel, will be subject to disciplinary action, including potential termination of
employment or engagement. If you believe that you will be punished or have been
punished for reporting or supplying information about a genuine concern, you should
advise management or follow the above Reporting List at the appropriate level you
believe you will be able to confidentially report to (or in the case of Non-Company
Personnel your nominated point of contact within the Company).
• inform the Group Chief Executive Officer and Board of the alleged breach,
either directly or through the Company Compliance Officer;
• report, either directly or through the Company Compliance Officer, the results
of any such inquiry or investigation, together with a recommendation as to
disposition of the matter, to the Group Chief Executive Officer for action or, if
the alleged breach involves an executive officer or a director, report the results
of any such inquiry or investigation to the Board or the RAC Committee.
Upon receiving a report of a breach of this Code, the RAC Committee, including its
legal and other advisors, will have the full power and authority to investigate the
report and to determine what steps, if any, should be taken to resolve the problem
and avoid the likelihood of its recurrence.
As part of the Consequences element of this Code (per Section 3.1), any
Personnel who breach this Code, or any guidelines or policies made under it, or
who authorise or permit any breaches by a subordinate will, in sufficiently serious
circumstances, be subject to disciplinary action including possible dismissal (or in
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the case of Non-Company Personnel, termination of their relationship with Sims,
whereby this right should, wherever feasible, be incorporated into such
agreements) and the commencement of appropriate legal proceedings where
deemed necessary.
This Code may not be amended or modified without the prior approval of the Board.
Any waiver of this Code with respect to any director or executive officer may be
made only by the Board.
This Code is not a contract and is not intended to impose any contractual
obligations on the Company, and does not alter the at-will or other employment
relationship between the Company and any employee. In addition, whilst it sets out
the basic framework which Personnel are expected to follow, this Code cannot
hope to address the specific, and widely varying, range of legal requirements, and
cultural and business norms, which apply in the many countries in which Sims
operates. The Board therefore reserves to itself an absolute discretion to update,
adapt or depart from this Code as and when it sees fit, including (without limitation)
where this is necessary to ensure that the Company's operations accord with local
law and/or business practice. Furthermore, neither the directors nor the Company
accept any responsibility or liability to any other person for any part of this Code, or
for, or any exercise of, the Board's discretion to update, adapt or depart from it.
This Code of Conduct was updated and adopted by the Sims Board on 28
June 2017.
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