In order to promote the long-term interests of Syntax and its stakeholders, the company strives to maintain the highest legal and ethical standards in all its business practices. Each employee is expected to act responsibly and with integrity and honesty, and to comply with this code and its underlying policies and instructions, as well as with all and any applicable legislation, including but not limited to competition, environmental, labour and anti-corruption laws.

Openness

Syntax promotes openness and transparency, as well as continuous dialogue with its stakeholders, including customers and other business partners, shareholders, personnel, authorities, local communities, and the media.

Respect for human and labour rights

Syntax supports and respects the protection of human rights as defined in the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Labour Organization. No employee is allowed to take any action that violates these human rights principles, either directly or indirectly.

Fair employment practices

Syntax promotes freedom from discrimination based on race, ethnic or national origin, colour, gender, family status, sexual orientation, creed, disability, age or political beliefs, or other characteristics protected by law. Syntax fosters equal opportunity, and employees are selected and treated on the basis of their abilities and merits. Syntax does not accept any form of discrimination, harassment or bullying from its employees.

Anti-corruption

Syntax as a company or any of its employees may not directly or indirectly promise, offer, pay, solicit, or accept bribes or kickbacks of any kind, including money, benefits, services, or anything of value. Payments and favours may be considered bribery if they violate local legislation or internationally recognized principles for combatting corruption and bribery.

Relationship with authorities and local communities

Syntax maintains constructive co-operation with authorities and regulatory bodies, at both local and international levels. Syntax seeks to play a role in serving the needs of the local communities whenever possible.

Respecting professional ethics and professionalism

Syntax follows the professional ethics of interpreters and translators, presented on the website of the Finnish Association of Translators and Interpreters (SKTL), as well as the ethical rules for legal interpreters in English. This includes the commitment to provide professional interpreters and maintain their professional ethics, as well as the commitment to professional secrecy and neutrality.

Innovation and protection of proprietary information

Syntax supports and encourages innovation by its employees in all areas of its activities. Syntax's intellectual property is one of its most valuable assets, and all proprietary information of Syntax must and will be protected. At the same time, each Syntax stakeholder and employee must respect the intellectual property rights of others.

Anti-fraud

Syntax does not tolerate fraudulent behaviour or activities, such as embezzlement, fraud or theft. Such violations will lead to immediate termination of employment and are subject to criminal sanctions.

Implementation

Syntax takes an active approach to the application of this code and promotes its implementation through the effective communication of its contents to its employees. Clients and business partners are an important and integral part of the total value chain of the services of Syntax. They are expected to conduct their businesses in compliance with the same high legal and ethical standards and business practices as Syntax.

Reporting violations

Any Syntax employee becoming aware of a potential violation of this code must contact his or her superior. Syntax will investigate all reported matters with discretion. Syntax shall not take any adverse action against any employee reporting in good faith what he or she believes to be a violation of this code.

Sanctions

Violation of this code may lead to a warning, termination of employment, or payment of damages. Additionally, certain violations of a criminal nature can lead to criminal sanctions, such as a fine or imprisonment.