Universal Registration Document 2021

• CSR self-assessment via P.A.S.S (Publicis Groupe Platform for Providers’ Assessment for a Sustainable Supply-chain). This Groupe proprietary platform was created for SMEs (small and medium-size companies) which are less familiar with CSR assessment processes by third parties. It allows the Groupe’s local buyers and agencies to ask their critical suppliers to carry out a free self-assessment that commits them. This self-assessment is then validated on the basis of documented compliance criteria by the Groupe CSR Department, thus acting as a trusted and neutral third-party expert. This transparent self-assessment based on around 50 key questions makes it possible to confirm whether the supplier meets the criteria and priorities set by the Groupe regarding human rights, ethics (anticorruption, data protection and security) and environmental impacts. Nearly 180 new suppliers (China, India, Vietnam, Hong Kong, United States, France, United Kingdom, Germany, etc.) were assessed on P.A.S.S in 2021, each of whom received individualized support (average score: 42/100);
• complementary sectoral CSR self-assessment via P.A.S.S: the Groupe’s production and events activities can assess their suppliers on appropriate complementary aspects in relation to the characteristics of certain sectors. Additional question modules in P.A.S.S are enabled for these suppliers.

4.2.7.3 Supplier Diversity

Publicis Groupe works with a large number of local SMEs and VSEs, and recognizes that diversity among suppliers is essential because it is a source of innovation and agility. As such, and in compliance with the legislation in force in each country, the Groupe encourages so-called diverse suppliers (led by an ethnic minority, women, LGBT people, disabled people, etc.) to participate in tenders, as well as suppliers from the social and solidarity economy or social entrepreneurs. This proactive approach is conducted in many countries such as the United States or Canada (companies run by minorities), the United Kingdom or India (companies managed by women or with disabled employees) or in South Africa. In France, the Groupe works with companies in the Social and Solidarity Economy, or sheltered-workshop organizations and companies (ESAT and EA). In 2021, the Groupe continued its project to increase the share of purchases made from this type of supplier.

The Groupe has made specific commitments on the inclusion of companies headed by women, as part of the Women’s Forum and Women & Business Daring Circle, in partnership with WEConnect International, and UN Women through the “We Empower” program in the G7 countries in order to increase the number of women-led suppliers.

In the United States, Publicis Groupe has had its own unique ecosystem for several decades, with various agencies certified as diverse suppliers such as Burrell specializing in African-American consumers. Based in Chicago, it is minority-owned & women-owned. Rauxa was also founded and is managed by a woman. Conill and “La Communidad” are two agencies with Latin American managers and teams. Finally, in 2021, Publicis Groupe announced a joint-venture between its agency The Trick in New York and Retrospect, an experimental design and technology studio that focuses on the cultural differences among various African-American communities.

The Groupe has been active for several decades in the following areas:

• direct management of a portfolio of suppliers which are “Diverse Supplier” certified, with which relationships of trust have existed for many years. This is the case of Leo Burnett in Chicago, which has been working for decades with a portfolio of around 1,100 accredited diverse suppliers of which 30% are women-owned and 21% minority-owned;
• calling on an expert partner specializing in Supplier Diversity, providing access to a greater number of certified, qualified suppliers in relation to the needs of the agencies, and accessible in the cities where the Groupe operates;
• partnerships with dedicated organizations such as the NMSDC (National Minority Supplier Diversity Council) or the WBENC (Women Business Enterprise National Council) for their support programs for suppliers in the process of certification;
• in 2021, the Groupe invested in a new, more ambitious program with an independent technological partner supplier.io, providing access to a database of more than 12,000 diverse suppliers enabling buyers and operational teams in the agencies to identify new suppliers, in addition to the 1,100 with whom the Groupe is currently working.

These supplier diversity issues are processed within an Ad hoc Steering Committee, which meets monthly, chaired by the Secretary General, and coordinated by the Groupe's Chief Procurement Officer.

4.2.8 Technological innovations and partnerships

As the preferred partner of major digital platforms, Publicis Groupe has also formed technological partnerships with numerous businesses whether established companies or promising start-ups. The aim is to better understand the technical possibilities and work together to find new, intelligent solutions, and to meet client and consumer expectations.

On the basis of their expertise, Groupe entities have also developed different analysis and research methodologies, in particular for consumer behavior and sociological developments, and have developed software tools and specific systems to assist in serving clients.