Protection
Fairness
Trust
Complying with statutory regulations and internal rules and the principles laid down in our Code of Conduct and the Code of Conduct for Business Partners, has top priority at Elli. The success of our company is based on Integrity and Compliance. To meet this standard, it is important to learn of potential employee misconduct and to put a stop to it. Therefore, we entrusted the Central Investigation Office to operate an independent, impartial and confidential Whistleblower System on our behalf.
A key pillar of our Whistleblower System is the principle of procedural fairness. It also guarantees the greatest possible protection for whistleblowers, persons implicated and employees contributing to the investigation of reported misconduct.
This also includes offering opportunities for anonymous reporting and communication. We assure not to perform any steps in order to identify anonymous whistleblowers, who do not misuse our Whistleblower System. Retaliation of whistleblowers and all persons who contribute to investigations at Elli will not be tolerated. Persons implicated are presumed innocent until the violation is proven. Investigations will be conducted with the utmost confidentiality. The information will be processed in a fair, fast and protected process.
How do we process your report?
The qualified and experienced colleagues at the Investigation Office examine every report for potential misconduct by a Volkswagen Group employee thoroughly and follow it up systematically. First, you will get a confirmation of receipt. The Investigation Office then assesses 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 be started. Afterwards, the results of the investigation will be assessed by the 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. The processing time varies dependingon the subject of the procedure.
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 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 minimize or end violations and/or risks.
More Information can be found in Our Rules of Procedure.
Submitting a report—but do it right!
The Information Office handles only reports that pertain to the following matters:
potential serious violations of regulations by Volkswagen Group employees
potential violations of the Code of Conduct for Business Partners, including serious risks and human rights and environmental violations within the Volkswagen Group’s supply chain.
For other reports, such as complaints or feedback regarding products or services from Elli or our business partners (e.g., car dealerships, repair shops), please contact support@elli.eco. Please understand that we cannot forward such inquiries and, due to jurisdictional reasons, are unable to take any action regarding them.
To ensure that a report can be properly processed and investigated by the Investigation Office, it is important that the report be as specific as possible.
It is helpful if the report addresses the five Ws:
Who? What? When? How? Where?
Whistleblowers should ensure that their descriptions are understandable even to those without specialized knowledge. To this end, it is helpful if whistleblowers are available to answer further questions. Anyone willing to do so but who still wishes to remain anonymous to the company should use the Volkswagen Group’s secure online reporting channel or contact the ombudsmen.
For violations related to data protection regulations, please contact info-datenschutz@elli.eco.
What kind of report do you want to submit?
A complaint about products or services to our customer service
For complaints or feedback about products and services of Elli or business partners (w.g. car dealerships, workshops), please contact Elli Customer Care: support@elli.eco
We kindly ask for your understanding that the Whistleblower System unfortunately cannot process customer complaints.
A report of potential misconduct to our Whistleblower System
The Whistleblower System offers various channels for reporting potential misconduct by Elli or Volkswagen employees, violations of the Code of Conduct for Business Partners or serious risks and violations of human rights and environment in our Supply Chain. However this does not affect the statutory right to contact designated authorities as described below.
Online Reporting Channel
You have the option of using a web-based communication platform "Speak Up" to contact the Investigation Office in more than 65 languages. This system is confidential and technically secured and allows you to submit reports anonymously.
You can access the online reporting channel through the following link: Speak Up
You can find 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 (specific to the country you are in) you will be prompted to enter the organizational code. Then, you can submit your report as a voice recording. Only a written transcript will be receives by the Investigation Office. Dial back in to listen to the reply or further questions from our team. Select a phone number from the list and have the organizational code 122203.
Speak Up App
You can also download the SpeakUp App “SpeakUp” by People Intouch (personal devices only) to access the secure reporting system. To download the app, you can scan the QR code.
Through this app, you can submit your report in writing or leave a voice message (also anonymously). You will need the organization code 122203. Alternatively, you can scan the following QR code.
Log back in to see our team's reply or answer further questions.
You can get in contact with the Investigation Office of the Volkswagen Group via E-Mail. io@volkswagen.de
For customer complaints, please contact the channels listed under "A complaint about products or services to our customer service".
Ombudspersons of the Volkswagen Group
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 Ombudspersons you can find their contact details here: http://www.ombudsmen-of-volkswagen.com/
Postaladdress and in person
Postal address:
Central Investigation Office
Box 1717
38436 Wolfsburg
Germany
In person:
Please make an appointment in advance writing an e-mail to io@volkswagen.de
External Reporting Channel for Germany
The following German government-appointed agency also accepts tips about potential misconduct as an external reporting channel: Federal Office of Justice BfJ - Hinweisgeberstelle (Bundesjustizamt)
Do you have further questions?
Do you have further questions or do you need a local contact?
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 givefeedback to the Ombudsperson as independent body.
Furthermore, our local Compliance Officer can also be addressed in all matters of the Whistleblower System via GRC@elli.eco.