Integrity and compliance

For the Volkswagen Group, compliance is adherence to legal requirements, internal corporate policies, ethical principles, and self-imposed values for the protection of the company and its brands. In the long term, a company can only be successful if it acts with integrity, complies with statutory provisions worldwide, and stands by its voluntary undertakings and ethical principles, even when this is the harder choice.  We remain committed to this principle and compliance must be second nature to all Volkswagen Group employees.           

The section further explores the following compliance topics:

• The Volkswagen Group Code of Conduct for Employees
• The Volkswagen Group Code of Conduct for Business Partners
• The Volkswagen Group Whistleblower System

Our qualified and experienced colleagues at the Central Investigation Office examine every report for potential misconduct by an employee thoroughly and follow it up systematically.  First, you will get a confirmation of receipt. The Central Investigation Office will then assess your report. This includes gathering facts particularly from the whistleblower. Only if this initial evaluation shows grounds for suspicion of a violation, an investigation by a dedicated Investigating Unit will commence. Afterwards, the results of the investigation will be assessed by the Central Investigation Office and appropriate measures will be recommended. Information about the status* and the outcome of the procedure will be given to you without undue delay.

Potential violations of the Code of Conduct for Business Partners by suppliers, including serious risks and violations of human rights and environment by direct and indirect suppliers, can also be reported to the Central Investigation Office - as well as reports requiring otherwise immediate action. The Investigation Office will inform the responsible departments, who will process the issue accordingly. This particularly includes taking the necessary measures to minimise or end violations and/or risks.

Further information on the procedural principles of the Volkswagen Group Complaints Procedure can be viewed here

 ^{*The processing time varies depending on the subject of the procedure.}

A complaint about products or services to our customer service

For complaints or feedback about Volkswagen vehicles and services by our Business Partners (e.g. dealerships, service centres), please contact our dedicated Customer Care:

• Email: hello@myvw.com.au
• Phone: 1800 607 822

Please note the Whistleblower System cannot process customer complaints. 

A report of potential misconduct to our Whistleblower System

The Whistleblower System offers various channels for reporting potential misconduct by Volkswagen Australia employees, violations of the Code of Conduct for Business Partners or serious risks and violations of human rights and environment in our Supply Chain.

• Email
  
  The Investigation Office of Volkswagen Australia can be reached via email (in any language): io@volkswagen.de. For customer complaints, please contact the channels listed under "A complaint about products or services to our customer service".
  
  
• Postal Address/In Person
  Central Investigation Office
  
  Postal address:
  Volkswagen AG, Central Investigation Office
  Mailbox 1717
  Berliner Ring 2
  38436 Wolfsburg, Germany
  
  In person:             
  Please make an appointment in advance by writing an email to io@volkswagen.de.
  
  
• Ombudspersons
  Volkswagen Australia has appointed external lawyers to act as Ombudspersons. They advise on the Whistleblower System or ensure that reports from whistleblowers are forwarded anonymously to the Central Investigation Office if desired.
  
  If you want to get in contact with the Ombudsperson, you can find their contact details here: https://www.ombudsmen-of-volkswagen.com/.  
  
  
• Online Reporting Channel
  You have the option of using a web-based communication platform SpeakUp to contact the Central Investigation Office in more than 65 languages. This system is confidential and technically secured and allows you to submit reports anonymously.
  
  You can find detailed instructions on how to make reports online, by app or by phone here.
  
  
• Voice Intake by phone
  You can leave us a voice message by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  
  After entering the phone number, you will be prompted to enter the organisation code 122203. Then, you can submit your report as a voice recording. Only a written transcript will be received by the Central Investigation Office. Dial back in to listen to the reply or further questions by our team.
  
  
• Speak Up App
  
  You can also download the Speak Up App “SpeakUp - Listen for a change” by People Intouch (personal devices only) to access the secure reporting system. To download the app, you can scan the following QR code.

Scan the QR Code for the SpeakUp App (1), where you can submit your report in writing or leave a voice message (also anonymously). You will need the organisation code 122203.

Alternatively, you can scan the QR Code Organisational Code (2) to log back in to see our team's reply or answer further questions. 

Questions or suggestions for improvement concerning the Whistleblower System can also be addressed to the Central Investigation Office.

Furthermore, our local Compliance Officer ​can also be contacted in all matters of the Whistleblower System via compliance@volkswagen.com.au. 

Online Reporting Channel        
You have the option of using a web-based communication platform BKMS to contact the Investigation Office in many languages. This system is confidential and technically secured.

Even if your preferred language is not offered in the reporting channel, you can use any language to submit your report. You can also contact the Investigation Office in any language via e-mail or mail.

Ombudspersons
The Volkswagen Group has appointed external lawyers to act as Ombudspersons. They advise on the Whistleblower System or ensure that reports from whistleblowers are forwarded anonymously to the Investigation Office if desired.

If you want to get in contact with the Ombudsperson you can find their contact details here: http://www.ombudsmen-of-volkswagen.com/

Email
You can get in contact with the Central Investigation Office of the Volkswagen Group via e-mail: io@volkswagen.de.

Postal Address/in person         
Postal address:

Central Investigation Office      
Box 1717         
38436 Wolfsburg Germany

In person:             
Please make an appointment in advance writing an email to io@volkswagen.de.                                

Do you have further questions?

Questions or suggestions for improvement concerning the Whistleblower System can also be addressed to the Investigation Office.

If you have been interviewed in terms of an investigation, you have the possibility to give feedback to the Ombudsperson as an independent body.

Furthermore, our local Compliance Officer/responsible function ​can also be addressed in all matters of the Whistleblower System via compliance@volkswagen.com.au.