Responsible supplier relations

Société Générale's socially responsible purchasing policy is implemented through a series of multi-annual Ethical Sourcing Programs (ESP). The current program runs from 2008 to 2010.
First implemented in 2006, the Group's Ethical Sourcing Programs are based upon :
  • Map of the CSR risksof products and services purchased: historically, the Sourcing Division drew up in 2006 a map of CSR-risky sourcing categories . Risks have been classified according to the 3 pillars of sustainable development: economic, social (work conditions, health, safety, etc.) and environmental (pollution, natural resources management, recycling and disposal of end-of-life products, etc.). This document was designed in collaboration with an external consulting firm, the Corporate CSR Division, the Risk Division and members of the Sourcing Division.
  • Among the 70 sourcing categories, 49 products or services are identified as a priority in terms of CSR
  • A methodology to assess the CSR qualities of potential suppliers : all Société Générale Group invitations-to-tender contain a CSR questionnaire to be completed by suppliers,
  • A CSR rating for suppliers : supplier answers to the Group's CSR questionnaire are given a rating which is then taken into consideration when evaluating their offer. Selected suppliers have a de facto role to play in risk management action plans.
Through the constant and proactive management of its suppliers, the objective of the Purchasing Department is to contribute, with them and thanks to them, to reducing the Group's operating risk by making CSR a day-to-day priority.
Its 2008-2010 plan has enabled it to give deeper meaning to its actions, to focus on high-risk categories and to share its experience with the different parties involved in the process, particularly the suppliers themselves.
Today, it has two concrete priorities :
To contribute to the Group's CSR policy and initiatives by :
  • Rolling out the Small Business Act signed by the Group in December 2007,
  • Defining specific rules governing the use of protected and adapted sector suppliers,
  • Playing an active part in Société Générale's Carbon Neutrality Project through the implementation of innovative systems that help reduce the Group's greenhouse gas emissions.
To improvement its operating risk management by :
  • Enhancing supplier CSR ratings and staff training,
  • Implementing an effective process for qualifying CSR risk,
  • Limiting CSR through tailored actions plans drawn up in collaboration with the stakeholders concerned (suppliers, prescribers, etc.).
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