Rules of business conduct
An ethical business culture is a key aspect of our commitment to making a positive social impact.
Our Steering Document Framework, consisting of our Code of Conduct and Group policies and directives, expresses our values and commitment to conducting business in full compliance with laws and regulations, international initiatives and standards.
To make sure that all our employees adhere to our values and commitment, we have created an extensive internal training programme. This programme includes a risk analysis, training (e-learning, awareness video, face-to-face compliance workshop) and guidelines.
In addition, we have appropriate mechanisms to address any instance when we fall short, which reinforces our good governance and fosters a culture of transparency and accountability.
We always seek to act in a fair and honest way towards each other and our stakeholders, while embracing diversity and promoting equality.
Jørgen Madsen LindemannPresident & CEO
Viaplay Group does not tolerate any form of fraud, bribery and corruption, and we work diligently to prevent any kind of unlawful behaviour in our group of companies.
Our Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy lays down the rules of preventing corruption in any of our business activities that our under the Company’s control.
Viaplay Group’s Code of Conduct was approved by the Board of Directors in September 2018 and updated in September 2023. The Code of Conduct applies to everyone in Viaplay Group from our Board members to our management and employees across all our operations.
Our Code of Conduct describes our responsibilities to customers, business partners, shareholders and each other. It sets Viaplay Group’s guiding principles and values, and our position on topics such as fair working conditions, asset protection, anti-corruption practices, conflicts of interest, competition, data protection and much more. It is a practical guide to how we do business, and it helps us to navigate ethical and legal challenges we may face at work.
Our Code of Conduct is reviewed and updated regularly to reflect changes in our operations and our legal and regulatory framework.
Viaplay Group embraces the fundamental principle of respect for an individual’s right to privacy. We take this very seriously and protect all personal data entrusted to us.
Viaplay Group complies with data protection laws and regulations in all countries where we operate. We collect, access or process personal data that is necessary to conducting our business, carrying out our obligations to our customers and only for the purpose for which it is intended. We also ensure that such data is stored securely.
Respecting human rights and freedom of expression is a topic of material importance to Viaplay Group and forms part of our sustainability strategy. Read more here and access the Human Rights Policy to understand how we work with human rights on group level.
Viaplay Group's information security management system - ISMS, is a governance and audit model that combines the organisations specific information security prerequisites with the formal controls and audit areas.
The Management of the ISMS is delegated to our Information Security Officer, whose mission is to make sure our work with IT & Information security is long-term and continuous, covering all parts of our business and its IT & information assets.
The VP Technical Operations and the Head of IT & Information Security are responsible for overseeing cyber-security within the company and are reporting directly to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), who is part of the Executive Management team.
The People Group Policy is based on Viaplay Group's Code of Conduct and Equality & Diversity Directive. It aims to align the guiding principles and best practices followed by Human Resources organisations across Viaplay Group and its subsidiaries. It focuses on attracting, retaining, compensating and engaging our talents while allowing them to thrive in a positive and enabling culture.
Like every business, Viaplay Group faces numerous risks that can have a positive or negative impact on the achievement of our strategic and operational objectives. This Policy commits Viaplay Group to standardised risk management practices. Successful risk management helps us to take an active role in analysing our risk profile, increase risk awareness and create greater confidence among shareholders, customers and employees. It also enhances decision-making without causing loss of momentum. The aim of the Policy is not to eliminate risk from Viaplay Group’s activities, but to ensure that every effort is made by Viaplay Group to understand and manage risks appropriately, and to maximise potential opportunities while minimising the adverse effects of risks.
We strive to develop and maintain strong business relationships with the suppliers, who are committed to ethical standards equivalent to our own. To ensure that, our Supplier Code of Conduct outlines the standards for all companies that provide products and/or services to Viaplay Group’s companies.
Failure to comply with the standards and provisions set in this Code may result in Viaplay Group reviewing and potentially ending our co-operation with the supplier.
Sustainability is integrated into Viaplay Group’s business strategy, values and culture, and we are committed to advancing both environmental and social sustainability through our content and business operations. Functions and individual entities in the group have operational responsibility to implement and meet relevant sustainability goals and targets, while the overarching responsibility for implementation of the sustainability policy, strategy, goals, actions and follow-up rests with the Board of Directors, Group Executive Management, and Head of Sustainability.
Through our sustainability policy and work we ensure compliance with all relevant environmental laws and regulations, while driving continues improvement of our sustainability performance through our sustainability strategy. We always strive to create greater value for all our stakeholders through relevant objectives and targets, and take measures to raise internal awareness of our sustainability efforts and environmental impacts.
Viaplay Group is the Nordic region’s leading streaming company and entertainment provider. We entertain millions of people every day with our streaming services, TV channels and radio stations, and our production companies create content that is experienced around the world. We make life more entertaining by telling stories, touching lives and expanding worlds – from live sports, movies and series to music and original shows. Headquartered in Stockholm, Viaplay Group is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm (‘VPLAY A’ and ‘VPLAY B’).
Purpose and Scope
The Tax Procedures sets out Viaplay Group’s governance framework and tax strategy, and it applies to all entities over which Viaplay Group exercises control. The Procedures is a dynamic document and will be re-evaluated and revised as required and at least once a year, in order to ensure it remains relevant and accurate.
Responsibilities and governance
Tax is the responsibility of the Viaplay Group Board of Directors and, as such, is managed by the Board’s Audit Committee. The Group Chief Financial Officer has operational responsibility and has assigned day to day responsibility to the Head of Group Tax.
Tax strategy
Viaplay Group’s business is based on commercial considerations, and the tax strategy is founded on our core corporate values as defined globally by Viaplay Group. The core corporate values include a commitment to conduct our business in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, observing the spirit as well as the letter of the law, and to achieve high standards of corporate and social responsibility.
Viaplay Group’s business is not driven by tax considerations. We aim to pay the fair amount of tax in each jurisdiction where we operate, and we apply the arm’s length principle when conducting intra-group transactions. Viaplay Group aims to comply with all applicable tax and accounting laws, guidance issued by the relevant tax authorities, as well as international guidelines and principles issued by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and the United Nations.
Viaplay Group aims to limit its exposure to tax risks by ensuring that there is a clear commercial purpose behind everything that we do. We do not use artificial or abnormal tax structures or schemes, in tax havens or elsewhere, for the purpose of tax avoidance. Any activities undertaken outside of the ordinary course of business require approval by the Head of Group Tax and Group CFO, and controls are in place to escalate tax matters to the Group Board of Directors when necessary. Viaplay Group seeks external advice from tax specialists on an ongoing basis.
Relationship with governments and tax authorities
Viaplay Group maintains a professional relationship with governments and tax authorities. We seek to be open and transparent in all of our dealings, and we work to ensure that all of our entities fulfil their tax compliance obligations and supply whatever information is required by local and international authorities in a timely manner.
Viaplay Group promotes a culture of openness, responsibility and accountability.
Viaplay Group’s employees are encouraged to report concerns that they believe to be a violation of laws or Viaplay Group’s Code of Conduct at the earliest possible stage, and through the usual reporting lines as appropriate.
Concerns and incidents can also be reported using our Whistleblower procedures, which include an independent, confidential and anonymous Speak-Up Line for reporting serious compliance concerns. The Speak-Up Line is operated by a third party and is available 24/7, 365 days per year. Report can be made via phone or web system.
Viaplay Group’s managers are responsible for encouraging an open dialogue and supporting employees by addressing their concerns in a fair and unbiased manner. Employees can escalate their concern if they do not believe that it has been, or will be, process appropriately.
Viaplay Group’s employees have access to our whistleblower procedures through our corporate intranet, accessible by all staff.
Suppliers, customers and other partners involved with Viaplay Group, may report suspected violations of laws or the Code of Conduct by contacting Viaplay Group’s Compliance office at [email protected]. All reports are handled with confidentiality.
Please note that the compliance email address is not for customer complaints or enquires. For these matters please contact instead our local brand’s customer support.
At Viaplay Group, our employees are our biggest asset. We have “people first” approach, meaning that everyone matters, and our people’s well-being and success are our priority.
Systematic and proactive steps to promote and preserve health and well-being at work must therefore be a natural part of all our operations in order to maintain employee engagement and well-being, as well as to ensure efficiency and quality in the work we deliver.
Preserving employees’ health & safety is outlined in our Code of Conduct. This policy sets our approach in providing healthy & safe work environment in which hazards are eliminated and work environment risks are reduced.