Section E. Ethics & Compliance Protocols
This section defines the ethical, professional, and legal standards that guide every Orange & Co. employee. It ensures integrity, transparency, and accountability across all operations—covering the Code of Conduct, Confidentiality & Non-Disclosure, and Conflict of Interest & Anti-Bribery protocols. Together, these frameworks protect the brand’s reputation, reinforce trust, and maintain a respectful, compliant workplace culture aligned with Orange & Co.’s values of excellence and integrity.
E1. Code Of Conduct Protocol
To define the ethical principles, behavioral expectations, and professional values that guide every Orange & Co. boutique employee. The Code ensures that all staff uphold the brand’s reputation for elegance, integrity, and excellence in every action and interaction.
Scope: Applies to all Orange & Co. employees — Customer Advisors, Boutique Supervisors, Boutique Managers, and Support Personnel. It applies both inside and outside the workplace whenever an employee represents the brand.
1) Guiding Principles
1. Integrity: Always act honestly, ethically, and in the best interest of the company and its customers.
2. Respect: Treat every colleague, customer, and supplier with dignity and courtesy.
3. Confidentiality: Protect all company, customer, and colleague information from unauthorized disclosure.
4. Professionalism: Demonstrate refinement, discipline, and self-control in every situation.
5. Excellence: Strive for the highest standards of quality, service, and personal conduct at all times.
2) Core Behavioral Standards
|
1. |
Customer Relations |
|
2. |
Teamwork |
|
3. |
Integrity & Honesty |
|
4. |
Confidentiality |
|
5. |
Appearance & Grooming |
|
6. |
Use of Company Property |
|
7. |
Digital Conduct |
|
8. |
Conflict of Interest |
|
9. |
Health & Safety |
|
Area |
Expected Conduct |
Not Permitted |
|
Customer Relations |
Welcome and assist customers warmly, honestly, and attentively. |
Rude tone, arguments, ignoring customers, or pressuring sales. |
|
Teamwork |
Support and respect colleagues, share responsibility, and communicate openly. |
Gossip, discrimination, or creating division. |
|
Integrity & Honesty |
Record all transactions accurately; report any irregularity immediately. |
Manipulating sales, hiding errors, or taking personal advantage. |
|
Confidentiality |
Keep customer, company, and supplier information private. |
Sharing data, screenshots, or private info externally. |
|
Appearance & Grooming |
Maintain neat, modest, and brand-consistent look per D-32. |
Untidy uniform, strong perfume, or unapproved accessories. |
|
Use of Company Property |
Handle all equipment, products, and cash with care and accountability. |
Personal use of stock, unapproved samples, or equipment damage. |
|
Digital Conduct |
Use internal systems and devices responsibly. |
Viewing inappropriate content, personal social media during shift. |
|
Conflict of Interest |
Declare any outside activity that may conflict with company interests. |
Working with competitors, receiving gifts from suppliers. |
|
Health & Safety |
Follow all hygiene and emergency procedures. |
Reckless acts that risk safety or cleanliness. |
3) Ethical Principles
3.1 Integrity in Service
- Always represent the brand truthfully — no false claims, exaggerations, or misleading information.
- Never accept or request personal tips or incentives from customers.
- Report any gift or favor offered by suppliers or partners to the Boutique Manager immediately.
3.2 Responsibility in Communication
- Use brand-approved language and tone (per D-33 Communication Protocol).
- Avoid gossip, rumor-spreading, or personal conflicts through company channels.
- Refrain from posting or commenting about Orange & Co. business on personal social media.
3.3 Respect & Inclusion
- Value cultural, religious, and personal diversity.
- No harassment, bullying, or intimidation of any kind.
- Support a harmonious, inclusive environment for all.
3.4 Accountability
- Each employee is personally responsible for:
- Their actions and performance.
- Protecting company assets and image.
- Reporting violations immediately.
4) Use of Company Assets
Employees must:
- Use boutique equipment, cash drawers, devices, and supplies only for business purposes.
- Handle POS, tablets, or displays with care and cleanliness.
- Not remove stock, testers, or promotional items without written approval.
- Ensure that all physical and digital assets remain within boutique premises unless authorized.
5) Social Media & Public Conduct
- Employees must not post, comment, or share content that could harm the brand’s image.
- Private opinions or debates must never reference Orange & Co. directly or indirectly.
- Any participation in media interviews, influencer features, or brand collaborations requires HO Marketing approval.
- Represent the brand with class — online and offline.
6) Anti-Harassment & Equality Commitment
Orange & Co. maintains zero tolerance toward:
- Harassment (verbal, physical, or digital)
- Discrimination (gender, age, appearance, religion, or social status)
- Retaliation against anyone who reports misconduct
Every employee has the right to work in a safe and respectful environment.
Reporting Procedure
- Report incident to Boutique Manager or directly to HO HR (confidential).
- HR investigates within 24 hours.
- Corrective or disciplinary measures implemented as per D-35.
7) Confidential Information & Data Protection
- All business and customer information is the company’s property.
- Never share product prices, supplier data, or internal documents externally.
- Destroy printed sensitive documents securely after use.
- Protect POS passwords and Zoho credentials — never share with colleagues.
8) Gifts, Favors, and Personal Benefits
- Employees must not accept gifts, commissions, or favors that may influence decisions.
- Small symbolic gestures (e.g., thank-you chocolate) are acceptable if disclosed.
- Any offer beyond symbolic value must be declared in writing to the Boutique Manager or HR.
9) Violations & Consequences
Any violation of this Code will result in disciplinary action under D-35 Disciplinary & Corrective Action Protocol, up to and including termination.
Severity of action depends on:
- Nature of violation
- Intent and impact
- Past record of the employee
10) Reporting Misconduct
- Employees are obligated to report observed violations (theft, falsification, harassment, etc.) immediately.
- Reports can be made anonymously through HR email or sealed letter to management.
- Whistleblowers are protected from retaliation.
11) Employee Acknowledgment
All employees must:
- Read and understand this Code of Conduct.
- Sign the Code of Conduct Acknowledgment Form during onboarding.
- Renew acknowledgment annually or when updated.
No employee may claim ignorance of the Code.
E2. Confidentiality & Non-Disclosure Protocol
To safeguard all confidential, financial, operational, and customer information belonging to Orange & Co., ensuring employees handle company data with absolute discretion and professionalism in line with the brand’s trust-based values.
Scope: Applies to all Orange & Co. employees, including Customer Advisors, Boutique Supervisors, Boutique Managers, and any temporary or outsourced staff who access company, customer, or supplier information. Oversight by Boutique Manager and HO HR + IT + Finance.
1) Guiding Principles
- Trust is Core: Confidentiality is a cornerstone of luxury service and brand credibility.
- Need-to-Know Basis: Information should only be accessed or shared when required for official duties.
- Protection: All forms of data — spoken, written, digital, or visual — must be protected equally.
- Accountability: Each employee is personally responsible for safeguarding information under their control.
2) Definition of Confidential Information
Confidential information includes, but is not limited to:
- Business Information: pricing, profit margins, supplier contracts, purchase orders, or strategies.
- Customer Information: names, contacts, preferences, purchase history, or loyalty records.
- Financial Information: treasury data, cash handling reports, sales summaries, or budgets.
- Employee Information: salaries, attendance, disciplinary or performance files.
- Brand Information: visual concepts, designs, packaging, upcoming campaigns, or product assortments.
- System Access: Zoho Books, Inventory, POS, HR portals, passwords, or any credentials.
3) Employee Obligations
Employees must:
- Not disclose any confidential information to outsiders, including family, friends, or customers.
- Not discuss sensitive matters in public or customer-facing areas.
- Use company data only for legitimate work purposes.
- Keep passwords private and change them when requested.
- Return or delete any company data immediately upon resignation or transfer.
- Report suspected data leaks or unauthorized access to the Boutique Manager and HO HR within 24 hours.
4) Acceptable & Unacceptable Practices
|
Category |
Allowed |
Prohibited |
|
Customer Information |
Using data to follow up on a confirmed order or feedback |
Saving customer contacts on personal phone or sharing with others |
|
Financial Reports |
Reviewing boutique sales with Manager for reporting |
Sharing screenshots or totals via WhatsApp or social media |
|
Brand Materials |
Accessing approved brand photos for training |
Posting unreleased products or designs online |
|
System Access |
Using assigned login only during shift |
Sharing credentials or logging in on unauthorized devices |
|
Internal Documents |
Sharing within HO upon request |
Forwarding to personal email or printing without reason |
5) Communication of Confidential Information
When confidential data must be shared:
- Use official company channels only (Zoho, company email, secured drive).
- Mark all files clearly as “Confidential – Orange & Co.”
- Never transmit financial or customer information through personal accounts or public platforms.
- Boutique Supervisors ensure printed reports are collected and stored after use.
6) Physical & Digital Data Protection
|
Area |
Requirement |
|
Documents |
Keep in locked cabinet or Manager’s office. Dispose of via shredding or HR-approved destruction. |
|
POS / Zoho Access |
Auto-logout after shift. Never leave screens open unattended. |
|
Devices |
Tablets, laptops, and phones are company property; personal use prohibited during work hours. |
|
Passwords |
Must contain at least 8 characters with letters + numbers; updated every 90 days. |
|
Cloud / Drives |
Use only official Orange & Co. drive folders with access control. |
7) Conversations & Behavior
- Avoid discussing any business topic in cafés, public areas, or elevators.
- Never mention customers or suppliers by name outside boutique operations.
- For team meetings, ensure private environment and minimize exposure of paperwork.
- HR and Managers must conduct confidential talks in closed offices or via secure call.
8) Handling Confidential Breaches
Examples of Breach:
- Sending company documents to a personal email.
- Sharing product images before launch.
- Revealing customer data to external party.
- Discussing financial figures publicly.
Response Procedure:
- Report immediately to Boutique Manager or HR.
- HR investigates and collects evidence.
- Employee may be suspended pending review.
- Disciplinary action applied as per D-35 Disciplinary & Corrective Action Protocol.
- If intentional or causing loss, the company may pursue legal action.
9) Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
- Every employee must sign the Orange & Co. NDA Form during onboarding.
- The NDA remains valid during employment and for 2 years after separation.
- Breach after leaving the company is legally enforceable.
10) Handling of External Requests
If approached by journalists, influencers, or suppliers for information:
- Do not respond directly.
- Refer all inquiries to HO Marketing or HO Communications.
- Say politely:
“I’m not authorized to discuss this, but I’ll connect you with our Head Office Communications Team.”
11) Confidential Disposal & Exit Process
Upon resignation, transfer, or contract end, employees must:
- Return all devices, reports, and keys.
- Delete all company files from personal drives or phones.
- Sign the Data Return & Confidentiality Compliance Form confirming no data retained.
- HR verifies completion before final clearance.
12) Training & Awareness
- All staff receive Confidentiality Training during onboarding and annual refreshers.
- HR issues reminders about safe data practices quarterly.
- Random compliance audits by HO IT and Finance.
13) Violations & Consequences
|
Severity |
Example |
Action |
|
Minor |
Unintentionally discussing internal matters in public |
Verbal or written warning |
|
Moderate |
Sharing customer contact without consent |
Formal warning + retraining |
|
Severe |
Leaking financial reports or photos of unreleased products |
Immediate termination + legal review |
14) End-of-Month Checklist (Supervisor / Manager)
- All reports and printed documents securely stored.
- System access logs reviewed; no unauthorized users.
- Staff reminded of confidentiality standards.
- Any data-related incidents reported to HO HR & IT.
E3. Conflict Of Interest & Anti-Bribery Protocol
To prevent situations where personal interests, relationships, or external influence could compromise Orange & Co.’s impartiality, integrity, or brand reputation; and to prohibit any form of bribery, favoritism, or unethical advantage in all business dealings.
Scope: Applies to every Orange & Co. employee, manager, and representative—including boutique, warehouse, and head-office staff—who engages with customers, suppliers, partners, or government entities.
1) Guiding Principles
|
Principle |
Description |
|
Integrity First |
All decisions must serve Orange & Co.’s best interest—never personal gain. |
|
Transparency |
Disclose any relationship, gift, or circumstance that could influence judgment. |
|
Zero Tolerance for Bribery |
Offering, giving, requesting, or accepting bribes in any form is strictly prohibited. |
|
Fair Competition |
All suppliers, service providers, and partners are treated equally. |
|
Accountability |
Employees are responsible for reporting potential conflicts or unethical acts. |
2) Definition of Conflict of Interest
A Conflict of Interest (COI) arises when an employee’s personal, financial, or family interest may affect—or appear to affect—their ability to perform duties objectively.
Examples include:
- Conducting business with a company owned by a family member.
- Favoring a supplier or customer due to friendship or gifts.
- Holding a side business that competes with Orange & Co.
- Using company information for personal benefit.
- Hiring or recommending relatives without disclosure.
3) Employee Obligations
Employees must:
- Disclose any real or potential conflict immediately using the Conflict of Interest Declaration Form.
- Avoid any transaction where a personal benefit could arise.
- Refrain from participating in decision-making where conflict exists.
- Obtain written approval from HO HR / Finance before engaging in outside employment or vendor relations.
- Report observed unethical behavior or favoritism to HO HR in confidence.
4) Gift & Hospitality Rules
|
Category |
Policy |
Action |
|
Symbolic Gifts (e.g., promotional pen, chocolates < 50 LYD value) |
Acceptable if occasional and declared to Manager |
Declare within 24 hrs |
|
Business Meals / Invitations |
Allowed only for legitimate business; must be modest and pre-approved |
Manager + HO Finance approval |
|
Cash / Vouchers / Expensive Items |
Never allowed under any circumstance |
Decline politely; report immediately |
|
Gifts to Customers |
Only under approved marketing or VIP program |
Must follow C-19 Sales & Discounts Protocol |
All gifts above 50 LYD (or €10 equivalent) require written disclosure on the Gift Declaration Form.
5) Anti-Bribery Policy
5.1 Prohibited Acts
- Offering, promising, or giving money or favor to secure advantage.
- Accepting cash, goods, or personal benefits from suppliers, customers, or agencies.
- Requesting favors, discounts, or special treatment using company position.
- “Facilitation Payments” (small unofficial fees) to speed up a process—strictly forbidden.
5.2 Third-Party Dealings
- Suppliers, logistics partners, and contractors must comply with Orange & Co.’s ethical policy.
- Any suspicion of bribery or unethical practice must be reported immediately to HO Legal & Compliance.
6) Disclosure & Approval Process
|
Step |
Action |
Responsible |
|
1 |
Employee identifies potential conflict or gift offer |
Employee |
|
2 |
Complete “Conflict / Gift Declaration Form” |
Employee |
|
3 |
Submit to Boutique Manager → HO HR |
Manager |
|
4 |
HO HR and Finance review and decide |
HO HR / Finance |
|
5 |
Decision logged and file retained in HR Records |
HR Administrator |
7) Reporting Suspected Violations
- Reports can be made confidentially by e-mail (hr@orangeandco.ly) or sealed letter.
- Whistleblowers are protected from retaliation.
- All investigations are handled discreetly by HO HR and Legal.
8) Consequences of Violation
|
Severity |
Example |
Action |
|
Minor |
Failure to disclose symbolic gift |
Written warning + training |
|
Moderate |
Accepting non-cash gift > value limit |
Final warning + deduction or suspension |
|
Severe |
Bribery, kickbacks, or fraudulent favoritism |
Immediate termination + legal referral |
9) Record Keeping & Audit
- All declarations, approvals, and reports are stored in Zoho → Compliance Records → COI & Gifts.
- HO Finance conducts semi-annual audits of gift and supplier relations.
- Boutique Managers must review staff declarations quarterly.
10) Training & Awareness
- Anti-Bribery and Ethics Training mandatory for all staff during onboarding and annual refreshers.
- Boutique Managers receive additional compliance training on supplier and vendor management.
11) End-of-Month Checklist (Boutique Manager)
- All staff reminded of gift and COI rules.
- New declarations (if any) submitted to HR.
- No unreported supplier offers or gifts.
- Supplier relationship review completed.