At Publicis Sapient, we recognize that the fight against modern slavery—including forced labor, human trafficking, and exploitation—is a critical responsibility for all organizations, especially those operating in the digital and consulting sectors. As a global leader in digital business transformation, we are committed to upholding and advancing human rights across our operations and supply chains. Our approach is rooted in transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement, ensuring that our business practices not only comply with legal requirements but also set a benchmark for ethical conduct in our industry.
Modern slavery risks are not confined to traditional manufacturing or agriculture. The digital and consulting industries operate within complex, global supply chains that include technology vendors, contingent labor, and professional services. The rapid pace of technological change and the global reach of digital projects mean that vigilance is essential. At Publicis Sapient, we believe that digital progress must go hand-in-hand with ethical responsibility and respect for human dignity.
Publicis Sapient publishes annual Modern Slavery Statements, serving both as a legal requirement and a public record of our commitment to ethical business practices. These statements outline the steps we take to identify, prevent, and address risks of forced labor and exploitation. Our annual statements detail:
With the introduction of the UK Modern Slavery Act, we undertook a comprehensive assessment of our supply chain to identify potential areas of increased risk. Our supply chains, while primarily based in the UK and considered low risk, include production companies, software developers, IT and office equipment providers, professional services, and facilities management. We:
Our Supplier Code of Conduct is a cornerstone of our approach. It sets out the minimum behaviors, standards, and practices we expect from all suppliers, including:
Suppliers are required to acknowledge and adhere to this Code as part of the onboarding process. We also encourage suppliers to cascade these standards throughout their own supply chains, amplifying our impact.
We practice responsible procurement by integrating human rights considerations into our supplier selection and management processes. Major suppliers are encouraged to join platforms such as EcoVadis, which audits corporate social responsibility standards, including labor practices, health and safety, and ethics. Only suppliers who complete the self-assessment and demonstrate commitment to our standards progress to the next stage of selection.
Our people are our first line of defense against modern slavery. We provide ongoing training to employees and management, equipping them with the knowledge to spot warning signs and understand the procedures for reporting concerns. Our Anti-Slavery & Human Trafficking policy is included in the employee handbook and communicated to all new joiners during induction. Employees have access to a confidential whistleblowing process, ensuring that concerns can be raised safely and without fear of retaliation.
We maintain clear channels for reporting concerns related to modern slavery, both internally and externally. Reports are taken seriously and investigated promptly, with appropriate remediation actions taken as necessary. We are committed to protecting whistleblowers and ensuring that no one faces retaliation for raising concerns in good faith.
Publicis Sapient’s anti-slavery efforts are aligned with international standards and best practices. As part of Publicis Groupe, we are signatories to the United Nations Global Compact, which includes principles on human rights and labor. Our internal governance framework, known as JANUS, sets out compliance and governance processes applicable to all global subsidiaries, reinforcing our commitment to ethical conduct.
The digital and consulting sectors are not immune to the risks of modern slavery. Complex project delivery models, global supply chains, and the use of contingent labor can create vulnerabilities. Publicis Sapient’s approach is to lead by example—embedding human rights considerations into every aspect of our business, from technology modernization to customer experience design. We collaborate with clients and partners who share our values, influencing positive change throughout the value chain.
As digital transformation accelerates, so does our responsibility to ensure that progress does not come at the expense of human rights. At Publicis Sapient, we are proud to be part of a movement that puts people first—leveraging technology to empower, not exploit. We invite our clients, partners, and peers to join us in advancing ethical business practices and eradicating modern slavery in all its forms.
For more information about our Modern Slavery Statements and our ongoing efforts, please contact us or explore our latest reports. Together, we can build a digital future that is not only innovative, but just and humane.