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CSR 2016 – boskalis
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staff, having been incorporated in the accompanying employee
manual. Boskalis employees are provided with targeted
information and are monitored with regard to regulations and
legislation concerning bribery and corruption.
Boskalis has a Whistleblower Policy in place that offers employees
the possibility to report suspected misconduct within the company.
These include any subject of a general, financial or operational
nature which are not in line with the Code. A confidential
independent counsellor has been appointed for the purposes of
the Whistleblower Policy. The counsellor shall take the reported
suspected misconduct immediately into consideration and gain
information in relation thereto. Based on this information the
counsellor shall decide which actions are appropriate and
necessary, including a possible investigation on the reported
misconduct. The employee who has in good faith reported the
suspected misconduct to the counselor, in accordance with
the Whistleblower Policy, shall not suffer any detriment as a
consequence of this notification.
The as reviewed at the beginning of
2016 and can be found on the corporate website.
Furthermore the principle that no bribes or other favors shall
be offered, paid, requested or accepted for the purpose of
acquiring or bestowing any improper business, financial or
personal advantage has also been incorporated in the Supplier
Code of Conduct, which is part of the contractual relationship
between Boskalis and its suppliers. Suppliers are obliged to
select their own suppliers in accordance with the Boskalis
In many countries where Boskalis operates it is impossible to
conduct activities without a local partner or sponsor. The
guidelines for collaborating with such a partner are set out in
a contract, which also specifically includes the principle from
the Code as described above. Local contacts are maintained
by an agent, who also assists in the efficient setting up and
execution of projects. Control of integrity risks and compliance
with the procedures for concluding agent contracts are part of
the internal audits as well as being included by the external
auditor in the audit of the financial statements.
Tax payments
We believe a coherent and responsible position on tax to be an
important element of our CSR strategy. In this context, we have
adopted the following tax principles.
Compliance
Boskalis follows the statutory regulations relating to tax payments.
Over the last five years we have paid an average of around 15%
tax in more than 50 tax jurisdictions around the world, including
more than 30 jurisdictions classified as developing countries by the
OECD. Compliance is monitored within a Tax Control Framework.
Business rationale
Tax follows business and profit is allocated to countries where
value is created in accordance with domestic and international
rules and standards as well as applying the arm’s length principle.
Boskalis does not seek to avoid taxes through ‘artificial’ structures
in tax haven jurisdictions.
Relationship with tax authorities
We seek an open and constructive dialogue with tax authorities
on the basis of disclosure of relevant facts and circumstances. We
aim to enhance clarity and upfront certainty around tax and have
covenants in place with Dutch tax authorities.
Transparency
We are transparent in our approach to tax and our tax position.
Disclosures are made in accordance with the relevant domestic
regulations, as well as applicable reporting requirements and
standards such as IFRS.