Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics of AST determines standards and principles, governing the behaviour of employees and determining the standards for self-assessment and the assessment of others. The Code is an essential part of work organisation; it defines the minimum requirements for performance and behaviour at the place of work and outside, that are necessary to establish and maintain interpersonal relationships, as well as that affect work performance and public attitude towards AST.

Objectives of the Code
  • To promote the development of corporate culture
  • To facilitate more successful achievement of the goals and objectives of AST
  • To strengthen the reputation of the brand name and services of AST
Definition

The Code promotes the establishment of responsible business practices based on ethical principles and helps employees to find answers and make decisions in situations of ethical choice.

Scope of the Code

The Code promotes the establishment of responsible business practices based on ethical principles and helps employees to find answers and make decisions in situations of ethical choice.

+ Principles
  • The Code covers three interrelated areas: human resource management, reputation and security.
  • The Code is based on the mission, operating strategy of AST, as well as the following basic ethical principles: honesty, loyalty, accuracy, objectivity, openness, equality.
  • Work environment, mutual relations between employees, relationships with customers, cooperation partners and other parties interested in the operations of the company
  • Employees are aware that their work, actions and behaviour contribute to the well-being and sustainable growth of the Latvian economy.
  • In relations with customers and business partners, employee behaviour should increase the confidence of customers and business partners in AST as a responsible, efficient and open company.
  • The employee is honest and loyal to AST, takes care with regard to the achievement of goals and fulfilment of tasks, is open to changes and innovation.
  • Mutual relations between employees, relationships with customers and business partners are based on respect, collegiality, cooperation, courtesy, honesty, mutual trust and favour.
  • AST provides employees with a safe, healthy and non-discriminatory work environment.
  • AST takes care for professional and personal growth opportunities of employees.
  • The employee, in cooperation with his/her line managers and personnel manager, develops and regularly improves his/her professional skills and competencies.
  • AST expects and supports the creative approach and initiative of employees for improvement of the work process.
  • Medium and top managers of AST form a team that provides motivating, flexible, loyal and professional activities in the interests of AST. Loyalty means not only fulfilling the assigned tasks, but also support, participation and advice in relations with colleagues.
  • The employee helps the new colleagues to get involved in the team by sharing their professional experience and practice with them.
  • The employee avoids actions or comments that may be perceived as degrading, offensive or discriminatory.
  • The employee observes the generally accepted ethical norms and the principles of conduct set forth in this Code during both working hours as well as outside of them.
  • Brand name and reputation
  • AST employees maintain a positive reputation of AST and its brands in communication with the representatives of interested persons - other employees, shareholders, customers, media, public organisations, cooperation partners, state and municipal institutions, international institutions and other target audiences in accordance with the values and interests of AST.
  • Reputation is formed from personal communication, and each employee is aware that he or she is also the “face” of JSC “Augstsprieguma tīkls”; therefore, it is expected that the employee will identify itself as a participant of the communication process, whose actions may affect this process - both positively and negatively.
  • The employee always remembers that he/she represents AST in the performance of his/her duties, therefore, he/she ensures that his/her actions and information provided are correct when serving customers, contacting cooperation partners and other stakeholders in the operations of AST. By formally expressing an opinion on behalf of AST, the Employee is responsible for ensuring that the information provided to third parties complies with the decisions taken by AST.
  • In public statements, the employee is loyal to AST, its business objectives, colleagues and corporate culture - values that all employees respect and that shape its reputation in society.
  • The employee looks and behaves in accordance with the requirements of the business environment and wears the work clothes intended for the position, if it is determined in the internal documents of AST.
  • Protection of property
  • The employee treats the property of AST with dignity, care and respect. Property means both movable and immovable property, as well as information. The use of property of AST for any personal benefit is not permitted.
  • The employee uses AST resources economically and rationally. The use of resources for purposes not directly related to the performance of duties, but necessary for the improvement of the reputation of AST, internal communication, improvement of the work environment and the promotion of social responsibility, shall be considered and justified, upon assessing the potential benefits.
  • The employee shall take care of the protection of information at all levels of the operation of AST, treat each other honestly and observe confidentiality with regard to any information of AST which incidentally has appeared at his/her disposal.
  • The employee is responsible for every activity or inactivity, as a result of which the information received for the performance of the work has been disclosed to third parties, including his or her family members, acquaintances, media, as well as other employees of the company who do not need it for the performance of work duties.
  • Communication with the media and law enforcement authorities is only performed by the Board of AST and/or by persons authorised by the Board of AST.
  • Conflict of interest
  • Conflict of interest means a situation, when within the framework of performance of work duties the employee has to make a decision or participate in decision-making, or perform other activities related to the position of the employee that affect or may affect the personal or financial interests of such employee, his/her relatives or business partners or violate or may violate the interests of AST.
  • The employee shall take decisions solely in the interests of AST.
  • An employee shall inform his or her direct manager if he or she has information about a conflict of interest that has arisen in the course of the performance of his or her work duties, i.e., when the employee may have a personal interest in resolving an issue and making a decision.
  • During the course of commercial activity, it is customary to give and receive gifts of representation, to participate in joint lunches, sports events, etc. in order to build mutual trust.
  • The employee does not offer or accept cash gifts from customers and cooperation partners. Other types of gifts (material benefits of any kind) as well as invitations to participate in events are not accepted if there is a suspicion of a possible conflict of interest or request for a counter-service. The procedure for accepting gifts in relation to officials of AST is also regulated by the Law on Prevention of Conflicts of Interest in the Activities of Public Officials.
  • In the case of doubt about the value of the offered gift, the employee consults with his/her direct manager.
+ Maintenance and implementation of the Code
  • The Code of Ethics of AST is developed by the Personnel Department.
  • The Code is available and binding to all employees of AST. Compliance with the provisions of the Code is one of the criteria for evaluating an employee and is taken into account when considering the advantages of employees in the internal personnel selection competitions and maintaining employment relations.
  • Management of AST facilitates the compliance with the Code by its example and work organisation.
  • The Code is updated as per need.
  • Related documents

    When performing their duties, employees shall comply with the applicable legal norms, internal regulations of AST, other regulatory documents related to the performance of work, as well as this Code.

  • Work Order Rules of AST.
  • Information Systems Security Policy of AST.
  • Collective agreement.