Talisman Energy's Policy on Business Conduct and Ethics (PBCE) is a statement of principles to which the company is committed. The PBCE is designed to direct all employees, officers and directors of the company in determining ethical business conduct. The PBCE sets out Talisman’s expectations for business conduct, including: ethical business conduct; personal conduct; employee practices; health, safety and environment; human rights; and community relations. The PBCE is supported by a number of detailed policies and guidelines addressing issues such as accounting procedures, security and anti-corruption.
All employees are required to read the PBCE as a condition of employment and understand how it relates to their business dealings. Breaches of the PBCE are dealt with by senior management, including the application of the company’s Progressive Discipline Procedure, which is available to all employees via the company’s internal website.
In 2008, Talisman terminated six employees in Southeast Asia due to breaches of the company’s PBCE and other internal policies. The violations were found during an internal investigation of procurement irregularities. Additional controls were subsequently implemented to minimize the risk of reoccurrence and employees were trained and advised as needed.
Employees are required to complete a Compliance Certificate certifying observance of the PBCE annually while noting any exceptions. Compliance Certificates are returned directly to the company’s President and CEO. In January 2009, the company embedded the annual Compliance Certificate into its Ethics Awareness training course. The training provides employees and contractors the opportunity to review and apply the company’s expectations for ethical behaviour through the use of scenarios and interactive questions and answers. Upon completion of the training program, the user is now prompted to read, complete and sign a Compliance Certificate indicating that they observed the PBCE throughout the previous year. The Ethics Awareness training course will also be embedded in the Company’s new employee induction process beginning in 2009.
Gift and Entertainment Policy
In 2008, Talisman developed a formal Gift and Entertainment Policy building upon guidelines already in place. This Policy provides employees, consultants and contractors more explicit direction to minimize the potential for improper influence or conflicts of interest, whether real or perceived, and reinforces the principles of ethical business conduct and personal conduct outlined in the PBCE.
Hotline
Talisman has expanded its Accounting and Auditing Complaints hotline to accept inquiries or complaints regarding any matters under the PBCE or other areas of concern. All employees, contractors and other stakeholders will be encouraged to utilize this third-party operated hotline, called Integrity Matters, to report any perceived breach of the PBCE, raise a concern or ask a question.
View our Policy on Business Conduct and Ethics
