The GRIP Code of Conduct.
This is how we behave.

GRIP and all permanent and freelance employees are committed to principles of loyalty to each other and to their customers and partner companies. We define these principles according to this common code or understanding. GRIP ensures that all permanent and freelance employees are aware of this Code and that they are able to comply with it and all legal requirements and that disregarding it can have consequences.

We are creative

• Creativity is this unique ability to connect with people and inspire them. It means being able to leave the beaten track and know how to surprise target audiences to sell the product, brand or service.
• Creativity is not limited to campaigns. It should permeate everything GRIP does, all strategies and everything that results from them, at all levels and in all sectors. There is no room for creative mediocrity in the work we do.

We are discreet

• We commit ourselves not to disclose any confidential information which is passed on to us in the context of our customer work. Exceptions are cases in which the customer gives us permission to do so or the law prescribes it. All GRIP employees are obliged to comply with this requirement.
• All employees are responsible for security and confidentiality within their sphere of influence. We treat and store confidential information as requested to ensure that only those who work with it have access.

We are trustworthy

• We only work for customers who can guarantee the implementation of the principles laid down in this Code in their cooperation.
• We commit ourselves to represent our customers only in accordance with the values of this Code.
• GRIP represents the concerns of its customers with conviction, because we stand by our customers as well as our values.
• Before accepting any mandate, we check whether there are any possible conflicts of interest with current mandates of the agency. Since the degree of common interest is often higher than it appears at first glance, we discuss potential conflicts with our existing clients with the consent of the potential new client. We are looking for solutions that enable us to process mandates for both existing and new clients. In doing so, we examine whether our respective industry know-how could be more valuable for the client than a possible exclusion from competition. If this is not possible, we do not enter into mandates that involve a clear conflict of interest with existing mandates.
• No employee is required to work for a client if he or she cannot identify with the client's interests.

We have a high service standard

• We at GRIP work with commitment, pleasure and high professional standards.
• We understand communication as a means of corporate management that can make a measurable contribution to a company's success. After all, success depends to a large extent on how you are perceived by the public.
• We support our clients in this and do so with confidence-building and fact-based communication that creates measurable added value.
• We see ourselves as independent consultants and service providers with an external perspective as well as internal partners.
• We enjoy the success of our clients and want to share responsibility for the results achieved.
• As an agency, we want to reach our stakeholders with the relevant message and launch and influence topics. We form a clear opinion, communicate it to our clients and thus influence the behaviour of the targetgroups.

We communicate openly

• We cultivate an active and open feedback culture, are open to criticism both internally and in the customer relationship. We learn from our successes as well as from our mistakes.
• We work according to our account management process, which provides for a written briefing with a budget definition before each assignment. We document and report systematically and meet our deadlines and budgets.
• When preparing documents, we check the facts and truthfully state the sources.

We believe in teams, not silos

• Our agency is divided into business units so that clear competencies can be formed within the agency. However, this does not lead to a "silo-mentality".
• The interests of the client and the agency must be in the first place. Solo behaviour is not desired. Teamwork is always superior. No one is bigger than a team. No team is bigger than the company.
• We want our employees as well as our partner companies and customers to enjoy team-oriented, professional cooperation.

We are sincere and honest

• We are aware that we contribute to the formation of public opinion through communication and take our responsibility seriously accordingly. For example, our sources can be verified and identified at any time. In addition, we adhere to the principles of fair communication.
• We undertake to be honest in all our activities and in all our contacts.
• We do not knowingly use false or misleading information and do not tolerate gray areas.
• We expect our customers to communicate openly and honestly and not to try to prevent us from doing our work in accordance with this Code and within the law.

We are transparent

• We act transparently towards each target group and disclose for whom we represent which interests.
• We prepare information for the media. Both within media work and in paid space. We advocate that paid space is clearly perceived as such by the target group. We observe the separation requirement under press law as well as the principle of transparency. In media cooperation’s, we provide prepared information for use and publication free of charge and without any direct or indirect reward or claim to influence.
• When employees engage in discussions on customer or agency-related topics, they do so under a real name, with a reference to GRIP and with disclosure of the employee's relationship to the topic or to the customer.

We are fair business partners

• Our suppliers are our partners. We are committed to requiring our service providers to meet the highest standards of quality, service, performance and price. This commitment is indeed a commitment to be uncompromising and to work only with the best suppliers at the best conditions in all areas.
• In return, all our suppliers are considered by GRIP as partners who respect our professionalism, autonomy and independence. Our choice of partners must be based exclusively on the desire to offer GRIP and our customers the best quality service at a competitive price.
• All orders from contractors must be made in writing. Any supplier discounts must comply with applicable regulations and laws and will be passed 1:1 to our customers. Discounts may only be requested or accepted if they are part of the normal business relationship and comply with the contracts that bind us to our customers. The terms of our contracts with our suppliers must be transparent and cover all obligations entered into by both parties.

We respect the protection of personal data

• We commit ourselves to take all appropriate measures to ensure adequate protection of personal data processed by us or our suppliers (e.g. media).
• We support and process any enquiries and complaints which are attributable to a violation of personal data cooperatively, quickly and truthfully.