NF4 Whistleblowing (Speak Up)

Employees and external stakeholders who observe any potential breach of the Code of Conduct, laws, or our policies are encouraged to report such violations, anonymously if preferred, through the global reporting tool, Speak Up. The act of speaking up is a crucial element of the Sandvik culture, fostering trust, enhancing the work environment, and mitigating risks for the company.

Our Speak Up training serves to enhance awareness and trust in the Sandvik whistleblowing process. In 2023, we provided training to 827 (4,534) new employees. To improve the enrollment in the Speak Up training, we have changed training supplier, and updated training will be added to Workday in 2024. According to our employment engagement survey, 91 percent (93) of respondents expressed confidence in the statement “I am aware that Sandvik has a whistleblowing process (Speak Up) for reporting violations of our Code of Conduct or company policies.”

Speak Up is accessible through our internet and web portals, as well as via telephone hotlines in all major countries where Sandvik operates. Reports submitted through Speak Up undergo screening, and each case is subsequently assigned to an investigator. These investigators conduct the necessary investigations with support from the Business Integrity specialist investigation function.

In 2023, there were 343 (290) reported Speak Up incidents excluding inquiries (see distribution in chart) with 83 percent (91) closed within 90 days. The substantiation rate for closed cases was 29 percent (35). No cases (1) concerned human rights, and 21 (6) cases involved bribery and kickbacks. All Speak Up cases undergo investigation, resulting in either substantiated or unsubstantiated findings based on the allegations. Consequences for substantiated cases vary from warnings and enhanced controls/training to employee dismissal, contract termination, non-renewal for business partners, or referral to relevant authorities for further investigation. The execution of the consequences is carefully managed within the remit of the law and our policies, including the obligation to protect the identity of the whistleblower and relevant data privacy regulations.