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, LGBTQ+, 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 and Canada (companies run by minorities), the United Kingdom and India (companies managed by women or with disabled employees) and in South Africa. In France, the Groupe works with companies in the Social and Solidarity Economy, and sheltered‑workshop organizations and companies (ESAT and EA).
The Groupe continues to focus on women‑led companies through its partnership with WEConnect International, which gives access to several thousand companies managed by women in many countries. 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 Le Truc in New York and Retrospect, an experimental design and technology studio that focuses on the cultural differences related to various African‑American communities. The Groupe is attentive to this commitment to these suppliers:
market with these various suppliers since 2021 and +20% compared to 2022. This Steering Committee also monitors partnerships with dedicated organizations such as the NMSDC (National Minority Supplier Diversity Council) or the WBENC (Women Business Enterprise National Council) in the United States, around their respective support programs for suppliers in the process of certification.
In accordance with law No. 2017‑399 of March 27, 2017 on the duty of care required for parent companies and contracting companies, transposed in article L. 225‑102‑4 of the French Commercial Code, Publicis Groupe has drafted and implemented a plan comprising duty of care measures for the identification of risks and prevention of serious infringements in the areas of human rights and fundamental freedoms, health, personal safety and the environment, resulting from the Company’s activities and those of the companies it directly or indirectly controls, as well as the activities of subcontractors or suppliers. This plan includes:
The dedicated Steering Committee on Duty of Care, set up in 2017, is made up of members of the Internal Audit, Risk Management and Internal Control Department, as well as the CSR, Procurement, Human Resources and Legal Departments. This Committee reports to the Groupe’s Secretary General, a member of the Management Board. The Steering Committee meets annually, and thematic working sessions are organized in smaller committees The mapping of the Duty of Care risks and the progress of the actions implemented as part of the Duty of Care plan were presented to the Strategy and Risk Committee and the Supervisory Board in September 2023. The Duty of Care plan covers all the activities of Publicis Groupe and its subsidiaries, as well as those of its subcontractors and suppliers with which it has an established commercial relationship.
