Universal Registration Document 2023

4.3.9.2 CSR assessment of suppliers

This is structured as follows:

• CSR assessment by an external independent and internationally‑recognized third party (EcoVadis, Sedex, CDP or others): this is the preferred approach. Since 2015, the Groupe Procurement Department has introduced a systematic CSR assessment for all its strategic suppliers. Publicis Groupe works with the EcoVadis platform and invites its strategic partners to be assessed by an external third party. In 2015, these assessments represented 40% of the volume of expenditures from strategic suppliers, reaching 98% in 2022, almost the 100% objective set for 2025. The scope of this level of strategic suppliers was therefore extended in 2023 to 111 partners, with the same criteria. This scope will continue to grow each year. In 2023, Publicis Groupe had 154 suppliers assessed by EcoVadis (average score: 62/100), up 2 points compared to 2022;
• 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 (anti‑corruption, data protection and security) and environmental impacts. 105 out of 132 new suppliers (China, India, Vietnam, Hong Kong, United States, France, United Kingdom, Germany, etc.) were assessed on P.A.S.S in 2023, each of whom received individualized support (average score: 46/100, up 2 points). The integration of P.A.S.S into other supplier information systems is continuing in 2024;
• 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.