Group-wide Governance & Responsibilities

Within this Group function, the Group Human Rights Office is responsible for the Group-wide human rights due diligence approach, such as the Human Rights Risk Assessment methodology. It supports the business segments in implementing requirements that serve to fulfill their human rights due diligence obligations. In addition, the Group Human Rights Office monitors relevant legal and regulatory developments. It further chairs the Human Rights Council and exchanges with the Group's Risk Steering Committee.

Each business segment has appointed a Human Rights Function. This Human Rights Function is responsible for the operational implementation of the Group-wide human rights strategy within its own business segment. It reports to the Group Human Rights Office and its respective Board or Management.

We have appointed risk owners for relevant departments. As subject matter experts, the risk owners are responsible for appropriate risk management and the implementation of risk analyses in their area of responsibility – for example in Human Resources, Procurement, or Occupational Health and Safety. 

The risk owners provide functional expertise for the risk evaluation and identification, analysis, prioritization, and management of risks. These tasks are fulfilled in collaboration with the respective risk management functions as well as with the business segment’s Human Rights Function to whom information is reported. This cross-functional exchange ensures a four-eye principle. 

We have set up a Human Rights Council to promote the exchange of information on current human-rights-related initiatives and topics within the Fresenius Group. It is made up of representatives from various functions, such as Compliance, Sustainability, Communication, and Procurement, as well as the Human Rights Functions and the Group Human Rights Office.

The Human Rights Council meets quarterly. The meetings focus on the further implementation of the Human Rights Program, the ongoing development of reporting structures as well as increasing transparency along our value chains.