Supplier FAQ: What to Expect When Working with Publicis Sapient
Responsible business relationships work best when expectations are clear from the start. If you are a current or prospective supplier to Publicis Sapient, this guide explains in plain English what we ask suppliers to acknowledge, how responsible business materials fit into selection and onboarding, what may trigger a closer review, how compliance is monitored over time, and where concerns can be raised.
Our goal is not to create unnecessary complexity. It is to build trusted partnerships grounded in integrity, respect for people, compliance with applicable laws, and a shared commitment to responsible business practices.
What does Publicis Sapient expect from suppliers?
Publicis Sapient asks suppliers to meet a baseline set of standards covering ethical business conduct, human rights, labor practices, health and safety, environmental responsibility, and legal compliance. These expectations apply across supplier relationships and are intended to help ensure that business performance and responsible conduct go together.
In practice, this means suppliers are expected to operate lawfully, treat workers with respect and dignity, provide safe working conditions, and maintain responsible business practices in areas such as anti-bribery, conflicts of interest, data protection, and environmental compliance. Suppliers are also expected to communicate these expectations internally and, where relevant, across their own supply chains.
Why am I asked to read and acknowledge the Supplier Code of Conduct?
The Supplier Code of Conduct sets the minimum standards expected in a Publicis Sapient supplier relationship. New suppliers are asked to read and acknowledge it during onboarding so there is clarity from the beginning, not after work is already underway. Acknowledgment confirms that suppliers understand the standards they are being asked to uphold as part of doing business with Publicis Sapient.
The Code addresses topics including fair treatment, equal opportunity, respectful workplaces, human rights, child labor, forced labor, migrant worker protections, fair pay and benefits, anti-bribery and corruption, gifts and hospitality, tax evasion prevention, conflicts of interest, data protection, health and safety, and environmental responsibility.
Does the Code replace contractual requirements?
No. The Code works alongside commercial terms, purchase order terms and conditions, and supplier agreements. Publicis Sapient reinforces responsible business expectations through contract language requiring suppliers to comply with applicable law and, where relevant, with modern slavery and supplier conduct requirements. Put simply, the Code explains the standard, while contract terms help embed that standard into the working relationship.
What happens during supplier selection or tendering?
Responsible procurement starts before a supplier is selected. During the tendering process, suppliers may be asked to review and complete corporate social responsibility materials such as a procurement charter, questionnaire, or related guidelines. These materials are used to understand a supplier’s policies, practices, and controls, especially in areas related to human rights, labor standards, ethics, health and safety, and environmental responsibility.
This is not a separate exercise from supplier evaluation. It is part of how suitability is assessed alongside other factors such as capability, quality, and commercial fit. Suppliers that do not complete the required self-assessment materials may not progress to the next step in the selection process.
What is the self-assessment questionnaire for?
The self-assessment questionnaire helps Publicis Sapient understand what actions, procedures, policies, and practices a supplier has in place to prevent issues such as slavery, human trafficking, exploitation, and other forms of non-compliance. It is a practical due diligence tool designed to surface relevant information early and support more informed decisions.
For suppliers, this is an opportunity to explain how responsible business is managed in practice. Clear, complete, and accurate responses help create a better picture of your organization’s controls, maturity, and readiness to support a responsible business relationship.
Do all suppliers go through the same level of review?
Not always. Publicis Sapient applies a risk-based approach, which means some suppliers receive deeper review than others. This is intended to focus attention where risks may be higher, rather than treating every supplier as if it presents the same level of exposure.
Examples of factors that may lead to closer review include operating with temporary low-skilled workers, operating outside the UK or EEA, or being involved in manufacturing or raw-material trade outside the UK or EEA. Where a supplier is identified as higher risk, Publicis Sapient may carry out a more detailed review of questionnaire responses to better understand potential concerns and discuss steps for improvement.
Does a deeper review mean a supplier has failed?
No. A deeper review does not automatically mean there is wrongdoing. It means Publicis Sapient wants to better understand a risk profile, clarify responses, identify any gaps, and determine whether additional actions or controls may be needed. The objective is to support informed decision-making and, where appropriate, improvement.
How is supplier compliance monitored over time?
Responsible procurement does not end at onboarding. Publicis Sapient uses ongoing review, periodic assessment, and audit activity to help keep supplier standards active over time. Major suppliers may also be encouraged to participate in EcoVadis-based tracking, which supports assessment of corporate social responsibility performance across areas such as ethics, environment, and health and safety.
This ongoing approach helps move compliance beyond a one-time declaration. It creates visibility into supplier progress, supports continuous improvement, and helps identify where further discussion may be needed during the relationship.
What records or evidence should suppliers be prepared to maintain?
Suppliers should maintain documentation necessary to demonstrate compliance with the standards expected of them. Depending on the nature of the relationship, that may include policies, training records, certifications, due diligence processes, employment practices, health and safety measures, or other evidence relevant to the services being provided.
Publicis Sapient reserves the right to verify supplier compliance, so maintaining clear and current documentation is an important part of being prepared for review.
What kinds of issues are considered especially serious?
Particular concern is given to issues involving forced labor, child labor, human trafficking, discrimination, unsafe working conditions, bribery and corruption, improper business influence, serious data protection failures, and other material breaches of applicable law or expected standards. Publicis Sapient may terminate business relationships in the event of a material breach of the principles set out in the Supplier Code of Conduct.
How should suppliers raise a concern?
If a supplier becomes aware of an actual or potential ethical concern related to the Supplier Code of Conduct or any engagement or relationship with Publicis Sapient, the expectation is to raise it promptly. Suppliers are encouraged to report concerns by email to compliance@resourcesuk.com.
Speaking up early matters. Timely reporting helps issues be reviewed, understood, and addressed before they become more serious.
What does a strong supplier relationship look like?
A strong relationship is built on openness, lawful conduct, respect for people, and a willingness to engage constructively on responsible business expectations. Publicis Sapient looks for suppliers that not only provide the right products or services, but also demonstrate the governance and behaviors needed for long-term, trusted partnership.
For suppliers, the message is straightforward: understand the expectations, complete the required materials carefully, maintain the right controls and records, and raise concerns if something does not seem right. That shared commitment helps create business relationships that are more resilient, transparent, and aligned with responsible transformation.
If you are considering working with Publicis Sapient, think of these requirements not simply as compliance steps, but as part of building a partnership based on accountability, trust, and respect.