Integrity

Integrity means that:

• we handle our clients’ data with the utmost care and strictest confidentiality
• we do not make improper use of our clients’ data
• our employees carry out their work correctly and fairly

Integrity is essential to us. Since 1 January 2020, all our staff have civil servant status. This means that they have taken an oath or a pledge to carry out their work with honesty and integrity.

The ‘SVB Code of Conduct’ describes the concept of integrity, explains why integrity is so important, and provides our staff with guidelines regarding integrity.

A breach of integrity means any conduct that contravenes the rules and arrangements in place at the SVB. These rules and arrangements are described in the SVB Code of Conduct and in the law.

Examples of breaches of integrity include:

• criminal offences such as theft and fraud
• inappropriate behaviour, for example any act involving the use of abusive language, insult, violence, discrimination, bullying, sexual or other harassment
• conflict of interest
• abuse of confidential and other information, for example unauthorised access to SVB systems
• misuse of SVB resources
• whistle-blowing (Whistleblowers Protection Act)

You should report integrity breaches as soon as possible. Where necessary, we will launch an internal investigation. You can schedule an appointment or contact us by:

• email at  meldpuntintegriteit@svb.nl
• telephone on +31 6 2969 5732

A complaints procedure is available to suppliers of the SVB. In the case of tenders , the relevant document is published or sent directly to the supplier. In addition, the SVB also has a general complaints procedure.

Read more about integrity in our annual reports on the page ‘Accountability and publications’.