Supply Chain Responsibility

NS places great importance on supply chain responsibility and has therefore developed a Policy and a Supplier Code of Conduct to ensure that everyone in the chain complies with OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct. There are three core principles serving as the foundation:  

Respect for human rights and labour standards: These rights and standards include a safe and healthy working environment, no forced or child labour, equal treatment, fair wages, reasonable working hours, and freedom of association.

Limiting environmental impact: Suppliers are expected to minimize their effects on water, air, and soil, and to contribute to CO2 and energy reduction, the circular economy, biodiversity, forest conservation, and animal welfare.

Integrity and fair business practices:This is reflected in fair competition, the absence of bribery and corruption, transparency, the protection of privacy and cybersecurity, and compliance with fair taxation practices.

 

What does NS expect from suppliers?

NS expects its suppliers to integrate these principles into their operations and encourages their employees and suppliers to do the same. Suppliers are required to regularly evaluate their own processes and supply chains. If a supplier identifies issues within the supply chain related to human rights, environmental impact, or integrity and fair business practices, these must be reported to NS, after which appropriate measures will be taken. NS and its Supplier Code of Conduct are based on internationally recognised guidelines such as the OECD Guidelines, ILO Standards, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).

Grievance mechanism

NS considers it important that human rights and the environment are respected throughout its entire supply chain. Therefore, NS has established an external grievance mechanism for anyone who wishes to report a concern or a potential violation within NS’s supplier chain.

This mechanism is intended for suppliers, workers in the chain, and other stakeholders involved in NS’s supply chain. Are you a passenger or customer of NS with a complaint about our services? Then we kindly refer you to NS Customer Service.

Concerns, complaints or indications of risks relating to human rights or the environment, or possible breaches of the obligations laid down in our Supplier Code of Conduct, can be reported confidentially (and, if desired, anonymously) via our online SpeakUp system. This platform provides a secure environment for communication between the submitter and NS. All complaints are handled confidentially and with due care.

Once a complaint has been submitted, the submitter will receive an acknowledgement of receipt. Each complaint is first assessed for scope and then handled on an individual basis. Where relevant, suppliers and other involved parties are included in the process. Where necessary, remedial measures will be taken. The submitter is kept informed throughout the process and will receive information on the outcome.

Would you like to submit a concern or complaint? Please visit our online SpeakUp system.