Bel V is committed to a high level of honesty and integrity in all its activities and aims to act ethically in all circumstances. The Code of Ethics is a set of values and standards and a common framework that guides the behavior of our employees and their responsibilities towards Bel V or FANC colleagues, licensees, suppliers, governments and the broader world.
The Code of Ethics applies to all employees and all functional bodies of Bel V. Every employee must therefore know and comply with the code.
We comply with the rules applicable to our activities, our statutes and the employment laws. Violations of the law should be reported to the management.
The values listed below are considered fundamental and a priority by the management and employees of Bel V:
The choice of these values demonstrates a strong societal commitment and a desire to project an image of Bel V as a strong organization. We want to act with respect for our values at all times, always adopting an attitude consistent with our values. We are aware that the way we put our values into practice has an impact on the image we convey as an organization. We take independent technical positions without outside influence. Compliance with internal procedures and instructions is a guarantee of quality.
To carry out our missions, we need to handle confidential technical information. We are committed to maintaining this confidentiality. Some employees, by virtue of their function, have access to sensitive information. They have an obligation of confidentiality and must exercise due restraint towards their colleagues or third parties.
Staff members refrain from publicly doing, stating or publishing anything incompatible with their duties or obligations or liable to involve Bel V’s responsibility. They do not make public statements concerning Bel V or its activities, unless with permission from the organization. They protect the confidentiality of sensitive, unpublished information that has come to their attention in the course of their activities.
Bel V upholds zero tolerance for corruption. We treat everyone with respect and do not accept any form of harassment.
We use Bel V’s assets for professional purposes only. We protect Bel V’s assets against risk of illegal access, unauthorized copying and other damage.
We do not use Bel V’s resources for own personal benefit or for the benefit of third parties.
This declaration on gender equality and non-discrimination focuses on issues related to equal opportunities and treatment for all internal and external parties/stakeholders of Bel V. Besides gender equality, non-discrimination is an integral part of the principle of equality. It ensures that no one is denied their rights because of factors such as race, color, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property or birth.
As an organization, Bel V wants to state its adherence to these general principles on gender equality and non-discrimination and make a formal commitment to apply and uphold these principles.
Discrimination occurs when a person is treated less favorably than others because of characteristics that are not related to the person’s competencies or the inherent requirements of the job. All employees and job seekers have the right to be treated equally, regardless of any attributes other than their ability to do the job. Discrimination may occur before hiring, on the job or upon leaving.
Freedom from discrimination is a fundamental human right. It is essential for workers to be able to choose their employment freely, to develop their potential to the full and to be rewarded based on merit.
Bel V applies the principles of gender equality and non-discrimination in all “internal Bel V” activities. In this respect, Bel V:
Bel V strives to apply the principles of gender equality and non-discrimination in its professional relations.
Bel V commits to treat all external visitors at Bel V (suppliers, customers, participants in workshops and trainings,…) with total respect of the abovementioned gender equality and non-discrimination principles.
In procurement, Bel V has chosen to select some suppliers who employ staff members with physical or mental disabilities.
Bel V does not prohibit giving or receiving gifts or hospitality as long as they are reasonable and justified. All gifts or hospitality should be proportionate and appropriate, and they should not be unnecessarily lavish.
In any case, any situation where the acceptance of a gift or hospitality may lead to real, potential or perceived conflict of interest should be absolutely avoided. Any gifts entailing a sum of money, regardless of the amount, should always be refused.
Acceptance of gifts or hospitality may exceptionally be authorized when it is clear that this will not compromise or reasonably be perceived to compromise the staff member’s objectivity and independence and will not damage the public image of Bel V. This evaluation can only be based in the first place on sound judgment from the staff member in the given circumstances.
Bel V has no mission that could conflict with its primary mission of ensuring nuclear and radiological safety, and has no links with organizations responsible in whole or in part for the promotion of nuclear energy.
Bel V will exclude activities, which may affect the independence and impartiality of its work.
Bel V makes decisions only based on objective evidence, and avoiding personal interests.
Bel V is free from any commercial, financial, and other pressures, which might present a conflict of interest or an appearance of conflict of interest.
Brussels, March 2024