Complaints and reporting mechanism

Kessels B.V. is committed to responsible business conduct within its international supply chain. As an importer and trading organisation, Kessels B.V. does not produce goods itself, but works together with suppliers and producers who are responsible for manufacturing the products traded by Kessels B.V.

The purpose of this complaints and reporting mechanism is to offer stakeholders an accessible, transparent and safe way to report concerns, complaints or signals relating to human rights, working conditions, environmental aspects and integrity issues. The mechanism supports the due diligence obligations of Kessels B.V. and contributes to identifying, preventing, mitigating and remediating adverse impacts throughout the chain.

This mechanism applies to Kessels B.V., its employees, direct suppliers, producers and other business relations insofar as they are involved in the supply of products to Kessels B.V.

A report may be submitted by any stakeholder directly or indirectly involved in the activities of Kessels B.V. or its supply chain, including:

• Employees of Kessels B.V.
• Temporary staff and interns
• Suppliers and their employees
• Workers at producers’ production sites
• Trade unions and worker representatives
• Non-governmental organisations
• Local communities
• Customers and business partners
• Other persons with knowledge of possible malpractice

Reports may be submitted both individually and collectively.

Reports can be submitted in writing and by telephone.

Telephone: +31 (0)35 533 5000
E-mail: info@kesselstextiles.nl

Reports may be submitted in Dutch or English. Upon receipt, the report is recorded in the complaints register and processed according to the steps below.

• Step 1 – Receipt: within ten working days the person reporting receives an acknowledgement of receipt, unless the report was made anonymously and feedback is not possible.
• Step 2 – Initial assessment: Kessels B.V. assesses the nature of the report, the severity of the possible risk and the parties involved.
• Step 3 – Investigation: where necessary, additional information is gathered. Suppliers, producers or other parties involved may be consulted.
• Step 4 – Corrective measures: where the report proves to be founded, Kessels B.V. determines, together with the supplier concerned, which appropriate remedial measure(s) are possible within its sphere of influence.
• Step 5 – Feedback: as far as possible and appropriate, the person reporting receives information about the outcome of the investigation and the measures taken.
• Step 6 – Closure: the report is formally closed and recorded in the Kessels B.V. complaints register.

Kessels B.V. aims to handle reports within 90 days. If this is not possible, the person reporting will be informed.

Within Kessels B.V. the following roles and responsibilities apply with regard to the complaints mechanism:

• Management: management holds ultimate responsibility for the functioning of this mechanism and for the availability of sufficient resources.
• Account manager: this officer coordinates the receipt, registration, assessment and follow-up of reports.
• Employees: employees must take reports seriously and cooperate with investigations where required.

Kessels B.V. does not tolerate any form of retaliation against persons who report in good faith. Retaliation includes, among other things: dismissal or detriment, intimidation, discrimination, threats and other negative consequences as a result of making a report.

Anonymous reports are accepted insofar as sufficient information is available to enable an investigation. Personal data are processed in accordance with applicable privacy legislation.