Under the LkSG, companies are obliged to prevent or minimize human rights or environmental risks in their supply chains or to end violations of human rights or environmental obligations.

In addition to regular risk analyses, the due diligence obligations also include the establishment of a complaints procedure.

Appeal procedure and rules of procedure for the appeal procedure (§ 8 (2) LkSG)

Steinbeis implements all requirements of the LkSG to fulfill human rights and environmental due diligence obligations. An essential part of these due diligence obligations is the establishment of an appropriate grievance procedure. This complaints procedure can be used to report human rights and environmental risks or violations. In accordance with Section 8 (2) LkSG, Steinbeis is obliged to set out the complaints procedure in writing and make it publicly available.

Steinbeis is, of course, happy to comply with the requirement to establish a complaints procedure.

The Steinbeis Supply Chain Due Diligence Complaint Procedure

What types of reports and complaints can be submitted?

Complaints and reports concerning human rights and environmental risks, as well as violations of human rights or environmental obligations arising from the economic activities of Steinbeis in its own business area or those of a direct supplier, can be submitted here.

How can complaints and reports be submitted?

• Via the electronic form for the Whistleblower Protection Act
• By telephone at the following number: +49 711 1839-5
• By email at the following email address: lksg@steinbeis.de
• By mail to: Steinbeis, LkSG Complaint Procedure, Adornostraße 8, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany 

What happens to the reports and who processes them?

Steinbeis has appointed a group of individuals to carry out the procedure who are bound to secrecy, are independent, and are not bound by instructions. They guarantee impartial action.

The report is forwarded to this group. Upon receipt of the report, it is reviewed and the whistleblower receives prompt confirmation of receipt.

As part of this review, the type of risk or breach of duty involved and the Steinbeis company affected are investigated. If necessary, the report is then forwarded to the Steinbeis company concerned for further clarification and processing, and the facts of the case are discussed with the whistleblower. The processing time or clarification of the respective report depends on the severity of the reported risk or breach of duty. If necessary, the whistleblower will receive information about the current processing status or remedial measures taken.

Steinbeis is obliged to continuously document the fulfillment of its due diligence obligations internally and to retain this documentation for at least seven years.