Code of Conduct
Together, we form one of the largest owner-managed agency groups in the DACH region — over 800 people across multiple agency and consulting brands, with offices in eight cities and wherever our teams work in close collaboration.
We Believe in
Trust, Tolerance and Courage
In our growing, decentralised organisation, this Code of Conduct serves to highlight applicable laws and company policies, and to raise awareness of legal risks in everyday professional life.
It summarises what we all commit to: responsible conduct towards business partners and the public, and respectful interaction within our group. It also reflects our commitment to ethical standards that go beyond what the law requires — and we act accordingly.
Our internal information platform provides the relevant guidelines, points of contact and documents offering detailed information on each of the topics covered here. In addition, our people always have access to a range of confidential contacts and reporting channels — both within and outside the Hirschen Group — whether to seek advice, raise concerns about potential misconduct or breaches of the Code, or to suggest improvements to our compliance processes.
Everyone who is part of the Hirschen Group is required to uphold this Code of Conduct.
Leaders carry a particular responsibility: they lead by example, support their teams in upholding these principles, and help everyone navigate questions or concerns — ensuring that all conduct meets the highest ethical standards at all times. We would also note that no document can replace sound judgement and the power of leading by example.
We uphold the law.
We comply with all applicable laws at local, national and international level — including all legislation and regulations relevant to our business activities. This encompasses labour, environmental and human rights standards; in particular: labour law (e.g. prohibition of child and forced labour, fair pay, working time regulations, freedom of association and assembly) and human rights (e.g. non-discrimination, protection of privacy). We expect our leaders, in particular, to have a thorough knowledge of relevant laws, regulations and internal policies — a core element of responsible leadership. We expect all our business partners to conduct themselves with equal regard for the law. Accordingly, our suppliers are required to adhere to our Supplier Code of Conduct.
We respect the rights of others.
We respect the work of others and adhere to third-party copyright, trademark rights and the principles of competition law as a matter of course.
We are incorruptible.
Trust is our most valuable asset. We reject all forms of corrupt behaviour and disclose and avoid any conflicts of interest that may arise. As employees of the Hirschen Group and its subsidiaries, we may not offer, promise or grant any advantage to decision-makers in order to secure favourable behaviour or decisions. Nor may we create the impression that business decisions can be influenced.
Equally, we do not accept any advantages — whether offered, promised or given — that are intended to influence a decision, or that could create the appearance of doing so. We never solicit personal benefits for ourselves or third parties. This applies equally to gifts and invitations to business dinners or events.
We believe in fair competition. We always operate in a competitive environment. We always compete fairly. We do not engage in anti-competitive arrangements. We do not speak disparagingly of others or spread false information. We do not share sensitive business information — such as pricing, margins or revenues — with competitors. This also means that equity stakes held by employees in competitors or business partners that would enable entrepreneurial influence are not in keeping with our principles.
We manage finances responsibly.
We handle our financial records with the utmost care and commit to complying with national and international accounting standards. We also encourage all employees to raise any legitimate concerns about financial decisions or developments promptly with their line manager or the finance team. This open communication helps us minimise risk and safeguard the financial stability of our organisation.
We practise transparency.
This includes fulfilling all our disclosure and reporting obligations.
We support the lobbying register. We recognise the importance of the lobbying register and support the transparency it represents. Accordingly, we register all forms of lobbying activity and political engagement in the proper manner.
We treat company property and all other organisational assets with care and responsibility. Personal use of company property is only permitted when explicitly authorised.
We work with many different types of data — all of which are covered by this section. We are fully aware of the risks that careless or improper data handling poses to our organisation. We therefore expect all employees — and leaders in particular — to have a sound understanding of the core requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and to handle confidential information responsibly.
We comply with data protection law (GDPR).
We protect our clients’ data and all employee data using appropriate and proportionate technical and organisational measures — safeguarding against unauthorised access, unlawful use, loss and premature destruction. We are mindful of the sensitivity of all data and information entrusted to us and treat it with the care and responsibility it deserves. All employees have access to data protection guidance and personal advice in this area.
We always maintain the confidentiality of information.
We protect our business documents from being accessed by unauthorised individuals. Equally, we do not discuss confidential matters with anyone not authorised to receive them — including unauthorised individuals within the organisation itself.
We put people at the heart of everything we do. We believe that diverse teams are more creative and more successful. We champion the freedom and individuality of our people and support them in maintaining their physical and mental wellbeing. Improving diversity and inclusion across our group is an ongoing commitment.
We have zero tolerance for discrimination.
This applies regardless of origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age or disability. We continually work to recognise, address and actively combat discrimination in all its forms — including unconscious bias. We adhere to the principles of the German General Equal Treatment Act (AGG).
This equally applies to accessing or sharing defamatory, anti-constitutional, discriminatory or violent content of any kind. We are acutely aware of our responsibilities as communicators and ensure that our work does not knowingly discriminate against, exclude or otherwise harm any individual or group.
We uphold and defend human rights, in alignment with the WPP Human Rights Policy Statement. We engage actively with our partners, service providers and clients on adherence to international human rights standards and legislation. Our Supplier Code of Conduct supports these efforts.
We have zero tolerance for sexual harassment. This includes accessing or sharing offensive, sexist, sexually harassing or pornographic content of any kind.
We have zero tolerance for physical violence or coercion.
We stand with those affected.
We strongly encourage any colleague who experiences or witnesses discrimination or harassment to report the behaviour to their line manager, the P&O team or a designated contact at one of our reporting channels — and to seek advice and support. These trusted contacts will take appropriate, necessary and proportionate measures to protect the employees involved. Full details of the reporting channels for all agency and consulting brands, as well as for the Hirschen Group as a whole, can be found on our internal information platform.
We promote a healthy working environment.
This includes compliance with all health and safety legislation and workplace regulations — including provisions for mental health. It is the particular responsibility of leaders to ensure that all of these aspects are reflected in day-to-day working life.
We are fully aware of our impact on the environment.
That is why we work together to reduce our ecological footprint and to use our influence to promote environmental responsibility among our business partners, clients and across our industry. Our Environmental Policy sets out the principles and guidelines by which we conduct our business in an environmentally conscious manner. It applies to all employees without exception.
We are committed to making a difference.
As part of society, we take responsibility for our collective impact. We invite all employees to take part in and actively support the social and environmental initiatives available through the Hirschen Group.