The Sarbanes-Oxley code of ethics
Sarbanes-Oxley requires GSK to have a code of ethics "applicable to its Principal financial officer and controller or Principal accounting officer, or persons performing similar functions".
The code is defined as having standards that promote:
- honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships
- full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in the periodic reports required to be filed by the issuer
- compliance with applicable governmental rules and regulations
GSK formulated a Sarbanes-Oxley code of ethics around seven policies:
- The Code
- Company assets and proprietary information
- External communications to investors and media; external speaking engagements and publications
- Political contributions
- Preventing corrupt practices and maintaining standards of documentation
- Risk management and legal compliance
- Share dealing
Our code of ethics goes beyond the requirements of Sarbanes-Oxley, in that it is applicable to all employees. The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have both signed statements certifying their compliance with the code of ethics, as have the Senior Vice President, Financial Controller and the Senior Vice President, Finance Services.
