Annual Report Sustainable Development Report ... - Groupe SEB

Principles
Ethics
Commitment
&
Groupe SEB pursues its development on the basis of values that are deeply rooted in its history.
These values are enshrined in a corporate culture that combines high performance
and responsibility with the rules of good governance.
Shared values
The Group subscribes to values that have inspired it
since its foundation:
– high-quality work;
– team spirit;
– thoroughness;
– loyalty;
– mutual respect.
These values, and the management principles
that derive from them, are posted for all our employees
on the Groupe SEB Intranet site.
Groupe SEB's commitment
Loyal to its principles, Groupe SEB has joined
international and French partners in several initiatives
to promote sustainable development:
– the United Nations Global Compact, signed in December
2003;
– the Code of Conduct of the CECED (European Committee of
Domestic Equipment Manufacturers) signed in August 2005;
– the Diversity Charter, signed in France in October 2005.
Implementing commitments
The Global Compact and CECED principles are being
integrated into the Group's internal procedures. In 2005,
the Buyers' Code of Ethics was updated with a new clause on
the fair treatment of suppliers, and a clause on Sustainable
|28
Development was added to the Group's general purchasing
conditions. Meanwhile, the internal control team drew up
a list of criteria based on the Global Compact principles,
to include in its internal audits. Indeed, Groupe SEB has long
applied a system of corporate governance which respects
the interests of its shareholders.
Groupe SEB Sustainable Development
management
The Group created a Sustainable Development
Division in 2004 to harmonize, direct and stimulate
a collective effort in this area which would involve all
employees. A Sustainable Development Steering Committee
was set up in 2005. This committee, which meets every two
months includes representatives of the main areas of Group
activity: production and design, commercial operations,
marketing, quality and the environment, human resources
and communications, audit and finance. The Steering
Committee defines priorities for action, examines master
plans for different projects and monitors their progress.
It serves as a source of ideas and an advocate for Sustainable
Development in-house and with external working partners.
Once a quarter, the Group Executive Committee agenda
features a progress report or discussion on aspects of
Sustainable Development.
Information and exchange tools
Two new in-house media were created in 2005
specifically for Sustainable Development. The Globe News
electronic newsletter reviews developments in this field
around the world. A dedicated sustainable development forum
on the Group Intranet lets employees put questions and give
opinions.