A Regional Lens: Responsible Digital Transformation in the UK Public Sector
Responsible Business, ESG, and Digital Transformation—Tailored for the UK Public Sector
The UK public sector stands at a pivotal moment, where the demand for digital transformation is matched only by the imperative for responsibility, transparency, and social value. At Publicis Sapient, we understand that digital innovation in government is not just about technology—it’s about building trust, delivering public value, and meeting the unique regulatory and societal expectations of the UK. Our approach to responsible business, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance), and digital transformation is deeply attuned to the needs of UK public sector organisations, ensuring that every engagement is ethical, compliant, and citizen-centric.
Local Compliance: Meeting the UK’s Highest Standards
Operating in the UK public sector means upholding rigorous standards of ethical conduct and regulatory compliance. Publicis Sapient is fully committed to the principles of the UK Modern Slavery Act, publishing annual Modern Slavery Statements that detail our proactive measures to prevent forced labour, human trafficking, and exploitation across our operations and supply chains. Our approach includes:
- Supplier Code of Conduct: All suppliers must adhere to a code that prohibits forced, bonded, or involuntary labour, child labour, and discrimination, while ensuring safe working conditions and respect for human rights.
- Supplier Onboarding and Due Diligence: Every supplier completes a self-assessment and certifies compliance with our Code and the Modern Slavery Act. High-risk suppliers—such as those outside the UK or EEA, or employing temporary low-skilled workers—undergo enhanced due diligence.
- Ongoing Monitoring: We use platforms like EcoVadis to audit suppliers’ corporate social responsibility standards, including health and safety, environment, and ethics. Only suppliers demonstrating commitment to our standards progress to the final selection stage.
- Employee Training: Our people receive ongoing training on modern slavery risks and reporting procedures, with clear policies included in the employee handbook and induction process.
- Transparent Reporting: Confidential channels are maintained for reporting concerns, with all reports investigated promptly and whistleblowers protected from retaliation.
We also publish a UK Gender Pay Gap Report, providing clear data on pay equity and outlining our ongoing efforts to close the gap. This transparency is core to our values and essential for fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace—an environment where innovation and public trust can thrive.
Social Impact Initiatives: Technology for Public Good
Our commitment to social value is not theoretical—it’s practical and visible in the communities we serve. One of our most celebrated UK social impact projects is the ‘Sending Machine’: a contactless donation device designed to support food banks. Unlike traditional donation points, the Sending Machine enables people to donate exactly what food banks need on any given day, ensuring that contributions are timely and relevant. This innovation bridges the gap between community generosity and real-time needs, helping to combat food insecurity in a practical, scalable way. The Sending Machine exemplifies our belief that technology should empower humanity and address pressing social challenges.
Ethical, Citizen-Centric Digital Services
Publicis Sapient’s approach to digital transformation in the UK public sector is grounded in a deep understanding of local regulatory requirements and societal expectations. We help government agencies and public bodies navigate complex landscapes—from data privacy and payment practices to sustainability and gender pay gap reporting—ensuring that transformation initiatives are compliant, ethical, and future-proof. Our local teams bring sector-specific expertise, enabling us to deliver tailored solutions that drive measurable impact while aligning with the highest ESG standards.
Our partnerships with government agencies are built on a foundation of trust, transparency, and shared purpose. We work closely with public sector leaders to design and deliver digital services that are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all citizens—including those from underrepresented or vulnerable groups. Our experience shows that citizen-centric design, combined with robust compliance and ethical practices, is key to building public trust and delivering lasting public value.
Local Supplier Engagement and Transparency
Responsible procurement is central to our UK public sector engagements. We are committed to fair and transparent engagement with local suppliers, with standard payment terms of 30 days from invoice and prompt resolution of any payment disputes. We do not charge suppliers for remaining on our supplier list, nor do we offer supply chain finance or e-invoicing at this time—our approach is designed to foster trust and reliability in our supplier relationships.
All suppliers must read and acknowledge our Supplier Code of Conduct as part of onboarding. High-risk suppliers receive enhanced review, and only those demonstrating commitment to our standards progress to the final selection stage. We encourage suppliers to cascade these standards throughout their own supply chains, amplifying our impact and supporting ethical business practices across the sector.
ESG Leadership and Public Value
Publicis Sapient’s leadership in ESG and responsible business is reflected in our work with UK public sector clients. We help organisations:
- Navigate and comply with local regulations, including the Modern Slavery Act and gender pay gap reporting
- Embed social value and sustainability into digital transformation strategies
- Engage local suppliers and communities in ways that build trust and deliver tangible public benefit
- Deliver digital services that are accessible, inclusive, and designed around the needs of all citizens
Our approach is recognised by clients and industry bodies alike, and we are proud to be a trusted partner for public sector leaders seeking to deliver ethical, innovative, and impactful digital transformation.
Why Choose Publicis Sapient for Responsible Digital Transformation?
- Proven Track Record: Decades of experience with the UK’s top public sector organisations and brands
- Tailored, Compliant Solutions: Sector-specific strategies that address the unique challenges and regulatory requirements of the UK public sector
- Innovation with Integrity: Agile teams delivering measurable results, underpinned by a commitment to transparency, ethics, and ESG leadership
Connect with Us
If your organisation is seeking a partner for purpose-driven digital transformation—one that combines innovation with a steadfast commitment to social impact and responsible business—Publicis Sapient is ready to help. Visit our London office at Turnmills, 63 Turnmill Street, EC1M 5RR, or contact our team to start a conversation about your next chapter.
Publicis Sapient: Driving responsible digital transformation for a better UK public sector.