Responsible supplier relations / Responsible sourcing / Our human and social responsibility / Home page / RSE Société Générale - Sustainable development at Societe Generale, Corporate an social responsibility (CSR) at SG

Responsible supplier relations

The Group’s socially responsible purchase policy is implemented through a multi-annual action plan, called ESP (Ethical Sourcing Program). Through this policy and with the constant and dynamic help of its supplier database, the Purchase department seeks to help mastering the Group’s operating risk, by integrating the CSR criteria in day-to-day purchase activities.The Program is based upon :

A map of CSR risks assessed by the Purchasing Department. This map identifies 49 high-risk products and services along with other products and services.
A methodology for supplier CSR assessment

Every call for tender requires an evaluation of the supplier’s CSR commitments, upon the basis of a specific questionnaire.

CSR follow-up of suppliers

The suppliers responses to the questionnaire are noted and these are integrated into the evaluation of their offer. In case the note is under the required threshold, the suppliers that have not been selected are informed why , whereas those that are selected take part in the action plan for mastering these risks.

The Purchase Department offers its suppliers means to work on alternative solutions which remain economically competitive and compatible with its CSR commitment. It has thus set itself two objectives:

1) through the Group’s existing CSR projects

To enhance the SME Pact signed by the Group in December 2007
To help define rules work with the regulated and adapted enterprise sectors (EA/ESAT)
To actively contribute to Carbon Neutral by setting up innovative solutions reducing GHG emissions

2) to reinforce operating risk management

Implementing a process to qualify CSR risks and setting up training for purchasers
Defining specific action plans to manage these risks with stakeholders (suppliers, prescribers …)

Through 2008/2010, the Purchase Department intends to give deeper meaning to its actions by widening the CSR scope, concentrating on high-risk categories and encouraging experience-sharing with the different parties involved in the process, namely the suppliers themselves.