Integrity is one of our core values. Today’s complex business environment demands that we firmly embed integrity into our daily business practices. We require all employees to sign the ARCADIS General Business Principles, which are summarized in the six areas below.  For the full text of the ARCADIS General Business Principles, please open the pdf document on the righthand side of this page.

Integrity as a core value.
Our goal is to conduct our business honestly and fairly. Our commitment to integrity determines the way we do business and how we treat our staff. The General Business Principles Directives provide specific guidelines related to gifts, hospitality and payments to third parties.

Respect for local laws and cultures. 
We comply with national laws and respect the cultures of the countries in which we operate. We support the principles of free enterprise and fair
competition and observe applicable regulations. We promote, defend and support our legitimate business interests with due regard to the law and the interests of society.

Value for customers.
We are a reliable partner for our clients and aim to deliver our services without jeopardizing the interests of society, employees and shareholders. We offer services under terms that do not compromise our independent professional judgment and aim to create optimal value for clients. We focus on continuously improving our services through investment in our knowledge base and the development of employee competencies. We are transparent
with clients about conflicts of interest that could emerge during the execution of our services.

Responsible employment practices.
We value our employees as a key resource. We encourage engagement and support personal development through comprehensive policies and initiatives. Every ARCADIS employee has an equal opportunity for personal recognition, advancement, career development and compensation,  regardless of background or beliefs. The same policy applies to recruitment. No form of discrimination or harassment is tolerated. We strive to ensure fundamental human and labor rights are respected throughout our operations.

Dealing with dilemmas.
The integrity code cannot possibly anticipate the variety of dilemmas we face in our day-to-day operations. An active integrity policy means recognizing dilemmas and taking responsibility for resolving them. We encourage employees to discuss business dilemmas with each other and with their management, making integrity an essential part of our culture.

Monitoring and accountability.
In 2010, a comprehensive internal program was rolled out aimed at further increasing awareness of our Business Principles and providing an organizational framework for monitoring its effectiveness. In each operating company compliance officers have been appointed and trained. All employees were asked to take online training to foster awareness and help mitigate risks. This training will be repeated bi-annually. Since its inception, 95% of employees took this training with the remainder slated to take it in 2011. ARCADIS monitors compliance with the Business Principles in all operating companies on a quarterly basis. Management of operating companies certifies compliance through a Letter of Representation. Employees are not held responsible for the loss of work resulting from compliance. ARCADIS also has a whistle blower procedure – including an anonymous global Integrity Phone Line – which ensures employees do not suffer negative consequences from reporting violations. Breach of the Business Principles can lead to sanctions, including termination of employment.