For Bertelsmann, corporate responsibility (CR) means taking responsibility for its employees, society and the environment. The company's economic interests are to be reconciled with social and ecological concerns, with the goal of shaping a better future. This attitude is firmly anchored in the corporate values “Creativity & Entrepreneurship,” the Bertelsmann Essentials.

With this in mind, the company works continuously on the strategic development of its corporate responsibility efforts. Under the leadership of the Chief Human Resources Officer, managers from the divisions regularly meet in the CR Council. Together, they drive forward the anchoring of corporate responsibility and Group-wide CR topics and ensure the cross-divisional coordination of CR management. At Group level, the Corporate Responsibility department coordinates and supports the work of the CR Council in close cooperation with other Group functions. In line with Bertelsmann's corporate structure, CR projects and measures are implemented by the divisions and companies.

Integrity & Compliance

Bertelsmann has established a comprehensive Integrity & Compliance program, and its effectiveness is ensured through regular evaluation and risk-oriented adjustments. Beyond the Bertelsmann Code of Conduct, which is based on the Bertelsmann Essentials, further guidelines have been issued on key topics such as anticorruption, antitrust law, foreign trade and business partner compliance. Employees receive comprehensive training and guidance, and compliance violations are not tolerated. Suspected violations are investigated immediately, and any detected violations are remedied without delay.

More information about corporate responsibility at Bertelsmann and the Group’s annual CR reporting, is available online at: bertelsmann.com/responsibility.