Code of Conduct
Société Générale has adopted a Group Code of Conduct which sets out the guiding principles that apply to its actions and behaviour. A reflection of the Group’s commitments and convictions in carrying out its activities, the Code combines those values and principles that inspired the texts already in place within the bank’s different entities (internal regulations, directives, instructions, etc.), and serves as a common reference framework. The Code contributes to maintaining and improving our corporate and social responsibility and risk management, as well as strengthening the reputation and image of a Group that is expanding rapidly, especially overseas.
It comes in answer to the legitimate expectations of both its employees and society writ-large, as borne out by the growing number of socially responsible ratings and investment funds and the growing tendency amongst listed companies to publish their own ethics charter. Since its launch at the end of March 2005, this common framework has been deployed throughout Société Générale in accordance with the characteristics and cultures to be found in the 82 countries in which the Group is present. Entity managers have presented the Code to their staff and all relevant documentation is available through the Group's different communication channels (intranet website, brochures, etc.).
A review of the concrete application of the Code was carried out in 2007, and a series of additional information initiatives are underway.
Each year, branch managers from the Group's Retail Banking Outside France network complete an ethics module as part of their management career training. The fight against corruption Société Générale has very strict rules on the prevention of corruption which are included in its Code of Conduct and comply fully with French legislation. Information concerning obligatory measures and controls is disseminated throughout the Group in the form of directives that are updated on a regular basis. Since 2001, the Group has transposed France's legal provisions into a single directive provided to all staff members. Updated in 2009, it sets out the rules of good conduct to be adopted in the fight against corruption.