We meet what are probably the world’s strictest data protection requirements.
Information security, data protection, and compliance are part of our business model and necessary for constructive business operations. By upholding ethical business practices and ensuring rigorous compliance, we are sustainably promoting our business relationships.
“In our social initiatives, we traditionally focus on our local surroundings, as this is where we are best able to channel our capabilities as a medium-sized company.“
Martina Altheim, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at q.beyond
Integrity, ethics and personal responsibility
Principle 5 of the German Corporate Governance Code calls on listed companies such as q.beyond AG to establish a compliance organisation. The compliance management system (CMS) at q.beyond aims to detect any breaches of duty at an early stage, evaluate these and enable appropriate measures to be taken. By implementing prophylactic measures, it the system also aims to avoid any breaches of duty, damages and liability arising in the first place. According to the Management and Supervisory Boards, the CMS in place at q.beyond AG currently satisfies all requirements of the German Corporate Governance Code.
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Information security, data protection
The advance of digitalisation has brought new threats, such as hacker attacks on sensitive data. People will only actually use new IT solutions if they believe that their personal data is safe. We see compliance with all legal requirements on data protection and data security as absolutely crucial to our sustainable business success. q.beyond’s location in itself shows the absolute priority accorded to data protection. As a German company, it is subject to European data protection requirements, which are probably the strictest in the world.
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Zero tolerance for infringements
We investigate all violations of the law and serious breaches of duty detected at the company. As recommended by the German Corporate Governance Code, q.beyond has implemented an electronic whistleblowing system. This enables all external parties, as well as company employees, to provide tip-offs of any suspected unlawful conduct. Confidentiality is guaranteed and tip-offs may also be submitted anonymously. Specially trained individuals who are obliged to maintain confidentiality thoroughly investigate all tip-offs that are legitimate and sufficiently specific.
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Corporate citizenship
We have not identified any material risks with negative social impacts that result from our activities as an IT service provider, our products and services or our business relationships. Our social commitment focuses on promoting children and young people on location. This way, we provide young people with access to additional opportunities. One focus of our commitment to society is our partnership with the “Hamburger Weg” project. This HSV foundation provides targeted support to existing and upcoming talent in the city of Hamburg, with key focuses on education, welfare and sports projects.
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Human rights
We are absolutely committed to the principles set out in internationally recognised frameworks and standards for human rights as formulated by the United Nations and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The obligation to respect human rights is also anchored in our principles of conduct. Our business partners and suppliers are predominantly based in the EU. This means that strict national requirements and laws already in place basically protect against any breaches of these fundamental rights. When it comes to our suppliers outside Europe, we also accord priority to compliance with all key human rights-related standards. We terminate business relationships without delay if we receive any plausible indications that these standards have been breached.
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Political influence
Laws relating to security, data security, personal rights and privacy are particularly relevant to our business. Our company does not exercise direct political influence or make political donations. That is also why we currently do not have or plan to have any detailed sustainability concept, or risk assessment, for the ways in which we exercise political influence. q.beyond is also not registered in any lobbying lists. Our political activities are limited to our involvement in sector associations.
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