Financial Times Statement of Code of Conduct 2022
A message from our CEO
The Financial Times Group, a part of Nikkei Inc., provides a broad range of business information, news and services. Our company values – integrity, curiosity, trust, ambition, inclusion and subscriber-focus – are central to our brand, the way we do business and our journalism. They are also embedded across everything we do.
FT Group employees are the most visible representation of our values. Whether it's how we engage with each other, clients, sources or the wider community, FT Group employees’ actions directly impact the reputation and standing of our brand. The FT Group Code of Conduct (“our Code”) provides guidance on what is expected of each of us in and outside the workplace.
About our Code
Who does our Code apply to?
Our Code applies to all staff of Financial Times Group Ltd, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and certain of our majority-owned subsidiaries and joint ventures (“FT Group”).
All FT Group staff are expected to:
- Act in a professional, honest and ethical manner.
- Be familiar with the information contained in our Code as well as company policies. Pay particular attention to the policies that are relevant to their job responsibilities.
- Promptly report concerns about possible violations of laws, regulations, our Code and other FT Group policies to their manager or any of the teams mentioned in our Code.
- Cooperate and tell the truth when responding to an internal investigation or audit, and never alter or destroy records when an investigation is anticipated or ongoing.
- Once a year, read, acknowledge and commit to complying with our Code.
No reason, including the desire to meet business goals, should ever be an excuse for violating laws, regulations, our Code or company policies.
Reporting concerns
If you are concerned about something that seems to be in breach of this Statement or FT’s company policies, you should contact the FT General Counsel.
Respecting your colleagues
Diversity and inclusion
We value the unique contribution that each person brings to the FT Group. We treat everyone with respect and dignity and base all employment decisions on merit, experience and personal aptitude. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, gender identity or reassignment, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by FT Group’s employment policies or applicable laws.
We believe in a harassment-free workplace and we do not tolerate intimidation, bullying or violence of any kind.
Health and safety
We are committed to the health, safety and welfare of its employees and others who may be affected by its undertakings. We comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and associated legislation, and strive to continually improve our health and safety performance through consultation, communication, training and supervision.
Conducting business fairly
Fair dealing and procurement
We are honest and respectful with our customers, suppliers and business partners. We do not take unfair advantage through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged or confidential information, misrepresentation, fraudulent behaviour, or any other unfair practice.
Fair competition
We never engage in any practices that are anti-competitive or which limit competition through illegal or unfair means. We comply at all times with all relevant competition and antitrust laws including when sharing or receiving information from third parties.
While we may employ former employees of competitors or suppliers, we always recognise and respect the obligations of those employees to not use or disclose the confidential information of their former employers.
Global trade and sanctions
We are committed to complying with applicable export and import controls, customs and other relevant laws and policies relating to trade and economic sanctions in the countries in which we operate and do business.
Anti-bribery and corruption
The FT Group has a zero-tolerance policy towards bribery and corruption in all its forms; it is contrary to our values, editorial independence, our Code and company policies.
Failure to prevent tax evasion
Tax evasion is the illegal evasion of taxes by individuals, corporations and trusts; it often entails taxpayers deliberately misrepresenting the true state of their affairs to the tax authorities to reduce their tax liability and includes dishonest tax reporting, such as declaring less income, profits or gains than the amounts actually earned, or overstating deductions. FT Group has a zero-tolerance policy towards the facilitation of, or failure to prevent, tax evasion by anyone associated with FT Group.
Conflicts of interest
A conflict of interest may occur when our interests or activities (or those of our family or friends) affect our ability to make objective decisions for FT Group or could potentially restrict our editorial independence. This includes personal relationships with another employee if you have influence over their salary or career path. Without approval, FT journalists may not participate in running outside ventures that involve commercial, or quasi-commercial (including charitable status) relationships with companies and/or individuals about which the journalists report as part of their FT work. We must either avoid such situations or be transparent about them and ensure they are approved at the appropriate time and level.
Journalistic activity and editorial content
It is fundamental to the integrity and success of FT Group titles that we uphold the highest professional and ethical standards of journalism and are seen to do so. The requisite standards in this regard are set out in the FT Editorial Code.
Complaints about any of our editorial content or journalistic activity should be referred to the editor of the relevant FT Group title. Where any complaint under the FT Editorial Code is unable to be resolved by the editor, the FT Complaints Commissioner will review matters referred, and recommend any appropriate redress.
Protecting our records, data and assets
Privacy and personal information
We respect the privacy of all individuals who entrust us with their personal information and we are transparent and honest about our privacy practices. We understand some types of information are more sensitive and treat them with extra care.
We retain all information for as long as legally required but no longer than necessary, with respect to all applicable laws relating to data privacy.
Confidentiality and intellectual property
We respect all third party patents, trade marks, copyrights, proprietary information and trade secrets. We must protect FT Group’s intellectual property, including its trade marks, copyrights and brands.
Accurate books and records
We are committed to transparency and to making full, accurate, timely and clear disclosure of required financial or other reports that are filed with or submitted to regulatory authorities.
Employees with a role in the preparation of our public, financial and regulatory disclosures have a special responsibility in this area, but all of us are responsible for helping to ensure the information we record is accurate, timely and complete and would not jeopardize the reliability and integrity of our books and records.
Use of technology
We trust our employees to treat the company assets with respect and care. Company assets include (but are not limited to) our buildings, equipment, computers, software, mobile devices, files, documents, inventory and supplies, intellectual property and confidential information.
Corporate responsibility
As a socially responsible company, FT Group invests in initiatives and causes that support excellence in journalism; engage readers through charitable opportunities; engage employees through recognition, inclusion and volunteerism; and maintain environmental and social stewardship. Our corporate responsibility portfolio is an important part of our internal and customer communications. It enables us to take responsibility for the impact of our operations on customers, employees, communities and the environment. We encourage our employees to get involved in their communities and enable our people to give time and money to good causes.
Modern slavery and human rights
Our values mean we respect the human rights and dignity of people. We support universal human rights, including equal employment, freedom of speech and of association, and cultural, economic and social well-being. We oppose illegal or inhumane labour practices, including slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking. Our approach to modern slavery and human trafficking is set out in our statement.
Environmental stewardship
We have a responsibility as a company to take proper care of the environment and to manage and minimise our impact on the environment. As a company we:
- Comply with the relevant environmental laws and regulations applicable in each country in which we operate;
- Take account of environmental responsibility as a factor in business decision making; and follow the company's procedures and policies to help meet its carbon commitments;
- Work with our business partners to ensure that they support our environmental objectives and target.
Political activities
FT Group does not make corporate political contributions to any political party or candidate running for election or re-election to a government political office. We respect the rights of employees to voluntarily participate in the political process including making their own personal political contributions, assisting in political campaigns and expressing their personal political views. But we prohibit the use of company time or property for the purpose of assisting in any political campaign or promotion of any political candidate.