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Helena Machková
Our Success Starts with Us
An interview with Helena Machková, Head of GO – Governance, Risk & Compliance, on topics that are an important part of Škoda Auto.
JUDr. Helena Machková
Head of the GO – Governance, Risk & Compliance department. A graduate of Charles University in Prague and George Washington University in the USA, she has nearly 30 years of experience in compliance and legal affairs and has been with Škoda Auto since 2011.
Interview
What value does your department bring to Škoda Auto?
Our work is very diverse because it touches on many areas of Škoda Auto's operations. As the GO – Governance, Risk & Compliance department, we are responsible for compliance (preventing violations of legal and internal regulations), integrity (the moral compass of each of us), risk management and personal data protection. We also establish and provide methodological support, offer consulting, facilitate communication and conduct training.
How do you educate employees on these topics?
As part of our activities, we systematically organise mandatory e-learning or in-person training sessions and workshops. These include, for example, training on the Code of Conduct, Prevention of Corruption and Money Laundering, and training on personal data protection. At the same time, we raise awareness of these topics through regular and targeted communication with employees. We strive to address these topics using modern technologies, including AI tools, to make them more engaging and understandable.
How, for example, do you contribute to risk management at Škoda Auto?
There are internal tools that enable the reporting and management of risks, such as those that could threaten production, the company's operations or its reputation. We set up processes so that no risk is overlooked and all are properly reported. Part of the process also involves informing company management, including top leadership, about reported risks. For example, since April of this year, we've had a new app on Škoda Space through which risks valued at less than five million euros can also be reported. This means even the smallest department can report everything. Together at Škoda Auto, we then look for solutions to reduce or eliminate these risks.
We want to preserve our company for future generations, so let's treat it as if it were our own.
Could you tell us about the reporting systems at Škoda Auto?
One of our legal obligations is to have a functional compliance management system, which includes so-called whistleblowing systems. Through these, employees can report suspected violations of legal or internal regulations. We have two such systems in place at our company. It is up to the whistleblower to decide which one to use. Whistleblower protection is ensured under both systems.
How is such a report processed?
We receive reports of suspected violations of legal or internal regulations through the reporting channels. We record and document everything. The Steering Committee for HR, Compliance and Integrity decides on the next steps in resolving the matter. Its permanent members are the heads of the Legal Affairs, Internal Audit, Corporate Security, Human Resources and Compliance departments. If the report contains sufficient information and supporting documentation, it is forwarded to the appropriate department for investigation. Following the investigation, a final report is issued, and any necessary further steps (including potential sanctions) are taken by the relevant HR department.
Can whistleblowing systems be abused?
It is possible that someone might try to use them to "settle scores," but fortunately such cases can usually be identified, and appropriate action can be taken. The abuse of whistleblowing systems constitutes a serious violation of regulations.
What does the term "Business Partner Due Diligence" refer to?
It is one of our areas of focus. We manage the process of vetting business partners, primarily in the sales department. However, we also vet other contractual partners, such as recipient organisations, sponsorship partners and so on. The work is quite demanding, as we must ensure the implementation of a range of measures for all of them.
Does the GO department's scope of responsibility include data protection?
Yes, our team includes a Data Protection Officer. They oversee the implementation of data protection legislation and related regulations and also address issues in the areas of cybersecurity, cookies, digital communication and so on. Their office ensures that the relevant rules are correctly interpreted and adhered to within the company's processes and systems. Škoda Auto processes a huge amount of personal data from customers; for example, features like Škoda Connect operate worldwide. We must ensure that we act in accordance with applicable legislation everywhere.
What will you focus on in the future?
Process digitalisation is important to us. We are actively eliminating unnecessary paperwork and setting things up so they run smoothly. At the same time, we will devote even more attention to ensuring that integrity, compliance and corporate values are truly put into practice. These are topics that are constantly evolving, and we need to address them carefully and systematically, adapting them to the world around us. We also have a great deal of important work ahead of us in a number of regions. Škoda Auto is entering new markets, which may present many new challenges from our department's perspective.
Tip
If you have any questions regarding integrity and compliance, please contact your colleagues in the GO department via email.