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NOVARIC® Doing Business Ethically Policy
Ethics, Risk & Compliance Framework
Governing ethical conduct, risk management and compliance across all NOVARIC® business activities
| Document ID: NOVARIC-POL-DBE-001 | Version: v1.0 | Effective: March 2026 | Review: March 2027 |
| Owner: NOVARIC® Ethics, Risk & Compliance Function | Classification: Public | Status: Active | |
1. Introduction
1.1 Purpose
At NOVARIC®, we shape the future of work by connecting people with opportunities through ethical, transparent, and responsible workforce solutions.
This Policy establishes the standards that govern how we conduct business across recruitment, vocational training, HR consulting, relocation, and outsourcing services. It reinforces our commitment to integrity, trust, and compliance, ensuring that all external interactions reflect the highest ethical standards.
It builds on the NOVARIC® Code of Ethics and translates principles into operational expectations for daily decision-making.
1.2 Scope and Applicability
This Policy applies to:
- All NOVARIC® employees, leadership, and representatives
- All interactions with external stakeholders, including candidates, employers, institutions, partners, vendors, and public authorities
It governs situations where there is potential risk of:
- Bribery or corruption
- Conflicts of interest
- Unethical influence or decision-making
- Misuse of data, information, or professional position
All activities must comply with:
- Applicable local and international laws
- EU regulations, including GDPR (EU 2016/679)
- Industry standards and internal NOVARIC® policies
1.3 Exceptions
1.4 Roles and Responsibilities
| Role | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| All Employees | Must comply with this Policy in all professional interactions |
| Managers and Leadership | Ensure implementation, oversight, and accountability |
| Ethics, Risk & Compliance Function | Maintain, update, and monitor this Policy |
2. Our Ethical Commitments
2.1 Zero Tolerance for Bribery and Corruption
NOVARIC® does not tolerate any form of bribery, corruption, or improper influence.
We commit that:
- We do not offer, give, or accept anything of value to improperly influence decisions
- We do not use third parties to engage in unethical practices
- We do not make facilitation payments, regardless of local custom
- We apply the same standards across public and private sectors
2.2 High Standards of Ethical Business Conduct
We are accountable for how we act, decide, and engage.
We commit that:
- All interactions are transparent, fair, and professionally justified
- Services and engagements have clear, legitimate business objectives
- Compensation is fair, reasonable, and aligned with market value
- We respect confidentiality, privacy, and data protection at all times — governed by NOVARIC® GDPR Policy
- We avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest
3. Our Risk Framework
NOVARIC® applies a structured risk-based approach to all external interactions.
1. Define Clear Objectives
All activities must have transparent, legitimate, and documented purposes.
2. Assess Risk
Evaluate risks related to ethical breaches, bias, data misuse, and reputational impact.
3. Interact Appropriately
Act with integrity and comply with all relevant laws and policies.
4. Monitor and Improve
Continuously review outcomes, ensure compliance, and strengthen processes.
4. Our Interactions
NOVARIC® engages with a wide range of stakeholders including:
- Candidates and jobseekers
- Employers and corporate clients
- Educational institutions and training partners
- Government and regulatory authorities
- Service providers and vendors
4.1 Engagement
We only work with reputable stakeholders who meet our ethical standards.
We ensure:
- All engagements have a clear purpose and documented scope
- Services are legitimate and verifiable
- Compensation reflects fair market value
- No engagement is used to improperly influence decisions
Recruitment Services
- Candidate selection is merit-based, fair, and unbiased
- No candidate is favoured due to improper incentives
- Information provided to candidates and clients is accurate and transparent
Vocational Training
- Programmes are designed to enhance employability and skills
- Certifications reflect genuine achievement
- Training is never misleading or exploitative
Advisory and Consulting
- Recommendations are objective and evidence-based
- Client interests are served without conflict or bias
4.2 Funding and Collaborations
We may collaborate with institutions and organisations to advance workforce development and social impact.
We ensure:
- All collaborations have clear, documented objectives
- Funding is transparent, reasonable, and properly recorded
- No funding is used to gain unfair advantage
- Only reputable organisations are supported
We do not provide funding to individuals in ways that could influence professional decisions.
4.3 Gifts, Hospitality, and Benefits
We strictly prohibit improper incentives.
We commit that:
- No gifts, payments, or benefits are provided to influence decisions
- Cash or cash-equivalent gifts are never permitted
- Hospitality must be modest, reasonable, and business-related
- Gifts, if allowed, must be infrequent, transparent, and compliant with laws
5. Use of Third Parties
We engage third parties only when:
- They meet NOVARIC® ethical and compliance standards
- Proper due diligence has been conducted
- A formal agreement is in place
- Services and pricing are justified and documented
6. Data, Technology, and Confidentiality
We are committed to responsible data and technology use.
We ensure:
- Full compliance with GDPR (EU 2016/679) and applicable data protection laws
- Secure handling of candidate, client, and partner data
- Ethical use of AI and digital tools in recruitment and HR processes — governed by the NOVARIC® Nexus AI Operations Governance
- Protection of confidential and proprietary information
7. Controls
NOVARIC® maintains internal controls to ensure compliance, including:
- Risk monitoring systems
- Approval and documentation procedures
- Regular audits and reviews
- Training and awareness programmes
8. Breach of This Policy
Violations of this Policy may result in:
- Corrective actions
- Disciplinary measures
- Termination of employment or partnerships
All suspected or actual misconduct must be reported through official channels — see Misconduct Reporting Procedure.
9. Speak-Up and Non-Retaliation
We foster a culture where concerns can be raised safely.
We commit to:
- Providing confidential reporting channels — Misconduct Reporting Procedure
- Investigating all concerns objectively
- Protecting individuals who report in good faith
10. Definitions
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Bribery | Offering, giving, receiving, or requesting something of value to improperly influence a decision, action, or outcome in a business or official context. |
| External Stakeholder | Any individual or organisation that is not a NOVARIC® employee but interacts with NOVARIC® in a professional capacity. |
| Third Party | Any external entity — individual, company, or organisation — that provides services to or receives services from NOVARIC®. |
| Conflict of Interest | A situation in which a personal, financial, or other interest has the potential to improperly influence a professional judgement or decision. |
| Fair Market Value | Compensation or remuneration that is appropriate, proportionate, and consistent with prevailing market standards for comparable services. |
| Facilitation Payment | An unofficial, typically small payment made to expedite or secure a routine governmental action. Strictly prohibited under this Policy. |
| Due Diligence | The process of investigating and verifying the ethical standards, legal compliance, and reputational standing of a third party prior to engagement. |
11. Closing Statement
Doing business ethically is central to NOVARIC®’s identity and long-term success.
By upholding this Policy, we:
- Strengthen trust with clients, candidates, and partners
- Protect the integrity of our services
- Contribute to a fair, inclusive, and sustainable labour market
Every decision reflects who we are.
At NOVARIC®, we do what is right—consistently, responsibly, and with purpose.
. EU & International Legal Compliance Matrix
| Framework / Directive | Policy Area | Section |
|---|---|---|
| GDPR (EU 2016/679) | Data protection, candidate & client privacy, confidentiality | 1.2, 2.2, 6 |
| Directive 2000/43/EC | Racial equality and non-discrimination in services | 1.2, 4.1 |
| Directive 2000/78/EC | Equal treatment in employment and occupation | 1.2, 4.1 |
| Directive 2006/54/EC | Gender equality and equal opportunities | 4.1 |
| Directive 2008/104/EC | Temporary agency work standards | 4.1 |
| Directive 2019/1152/EU | Transparent and predictable working conditions | 4.1 |
| Directive 2019/1937 | Whistleblower protection and speak-up culture | 1.1, 8, 9 |
| Directive 2013/34/EU | Financial reporting, transparency and accurate records | 2.2, 4.2 |
| Directive 2014/24/EU | Ethical procurement and third-party standards | 4.2, 5 |
| CSDDD 2024 | Supply chain due diligence and third-party accountability | 3, 5 |
| EU AI Act 2024 | Responsible and transparent AI use in recruitment | 6 |
| GDPR Art. 28 | Processor obligations and vendor data agreements | 5, 6 |
| OECD Anti-Bribery Convention | Zero tolerance for bribery and corruption | 2.1, 4.3 |
| ISO 37001:2016 | Anti-bribery management systems | 2.1, 7 |
| ISO 31000:2018 | Risk management principles and framework | 3 |
| Directive 2005/29/EC | Unfair commercial practices and consumer protection | 4.1 |
Related NOVARIC® Documents
| Document | Reference |
|---|---|
| Code of Ethics — Doing What’s Right | NOVARIC-POL-COE-001 |
| Company Governance | NOVARIC-POL-CG-001 |
| GDPR & Privacy Policy | NOVARIC-POL-GD-001 |
| Misconduct Reporting Procedure | NOVARIC-POL-MR-001 |
| Health & Safety Policy | N-DOC-10008-032026 |
| NOVARIC® Nexus AI Governance | N-DOC-10010-032026 |
| Governance Hub | N-HUB-GOV |
Published under NOVARIC® Resources | NOVARIC® Governance Hub
Version: v1.0 | Effective: March 2026 | Review: March 2027 | Document ID: NOVARIC-POL-DBE-001
NOVARIC® — The Future Starts At The Endgame.™ | C 63881 — Malta | EU Trademark: 018313401 | NOVARIC® Governance Hub
