Goals and performance

The practices and methods pursued by Orion to community relations, social and political relations, restrictions of competition and corruption are derived from the general principles of Orion’s Corporate Governance Manual, according to which the operations of the Orion Group are based on compliance with valid laws and regulations issued there under as well as with ethically acceptable operating principles. All community relations are based on open and honest communication, which considers both parties’ justified expectations.

Orion accepts that reasonable gifts are part of normal business culture within the framework of legislation and ethically acceptable practices. Giving or receiving of bribes or any comparable benefits is unambiguously forbidden by the Orion Group..

According to the donation policy of the Group, when deciding on donations, it must be confirmed that each donation adheres to applicable laws and regulations and ethically acceptable operating practices.

The principal channel for Orion for influencing political decision-making is via relevant industry associations.

Orion does not support political parties or associations. Even though Orion as a company does not participate in the operation of political parties, Orion respects the legal right of its employees for political action, which is considered a private matter.

Orion adheres to current competitive legislation. Orion is in favour of fair competition and promotion thereof, and aims to ensure that the objectives of applicable competitive legislation are honoured in its operations. Orion strives to avoid any breaches of competitive legislation.

Legal and regulatory compliance is the cornerstone of all operations. Orion expects that every employee is aware of the legislation and regulations that apply to their work. It is the responsibility of managers and supervisors to ensure that up-to-date regulations are available and acknowledged. 

Procedures

The divisions and organisations that form the Group are responsible for managing authority relations in those areas that fall in the scope of their operations and responsibilities.

When Orion wants to inform political decision-makers and authorities of its opinion, e.g. when new laws or regulations are being drafted, the company aims to do so via channels such as national and international industry organisations. Orion is a member of the following organisations: Pharma Industry Finland (PIF), the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries Associations (EFPIA) and Chemical Industry Federation of Finland, which is part of the Confederation of Finnish Industries EK. As the voice of business, regional and central chambers of commerce are also relevant channels for Orion. When necessary, Orion’s managers approach decision-makers directly. To be able to voice its opinion, the Group considers good and appropriate relations important, in particular with local decision-makers in the regions where the company has operational presence, relevant regulatory authorities and, most importantly, the national and municipal decision-makers and officials preparing decisions affecting the operating conditions of the healthcare industry.

As regards hospitality, Orion adheres to the principle of reasonable level.

Most of the annual donations made by the Group for purposes of public interest are based on the decision by the Annual General Meeting to donate part of the distributable assets of Orion Corporation to medical research and other purposes of public interest. The Board of Directors decides on the allocation of the donations.

As a pharmaceutical company, it is natural for Orion to support the work of patient organisations. Here, Orion applies the established industry practices, which have recently become increasingly transparent. As of 2008, Orion publishes on its website an annual list of patient organisations sponsored by Orion.

The employees of the Orion Group are unambiguously instructed to refuse from giving or receiving bribes or any comparable benefit for the purpose of promoting the company’s business or the throughput of its interests.

In addition to the principle of legal and ethical compliance specified in Orion's Corporate Governance Manual, the Group also has established particular guidelines concerning competition law, which every Group employee is expected to adhere to. Orion organises training related to competitive legislation and agreements for all employees who are involved in making agreements or other tasks which may fall in the scope of competition law.

In addition, guidelines approved and binding Group-wide apply for agreements and documents signed in the names of the Orion Group companies. These guidelines are in place to ensure that all agreements are made with sufficient legal expertise and in writing, that agreements are approved at the appropriate decision-making level based on their scope and that only authorised signatories of the companies can sign agreements.

Orion’s operations are very highly regulated by legislation and special regulations.

Orion organises various training opportunities for its personnel in areas related to regulatory compliance by means of courses, information sessions and self-learning. Also personal effort is required to acquaint with the provisions.

Monitoring and follow-up

Orion monitors legal and regulatory compliance in the same ways as those concerning internal guidelines. The company also reacts towards incompliance by applying the same procedures as are applied to breaches of other internal guidelines.