Capgemini Code of Business Ethics
Capgemini Code of Business Ethics
Code of
Business
Ethics
How to use our
Code of Business Ethics?
Our Code of Business Ethics helps all team members understand how to behave
and act in the right way. It is a framework for support if we are unclear. It is
impossible for us to envision and prepare for every single business situation that
may pose an ethical dilemma. Accordingly, we do not claim that this document
is definitive or exhaustive. In three areas where ethical issues are particularly
sensitive—fair competition, bribery and corruption prevention, and conflict of
interest—there are specific detailed Group policies that supplement the high level
overviews in our Code of Business Ethics.
Moreover, our Code of Business Ethics does not rule out the need to exercise
good judgment, but aims to provide guidance for all of us to do so. When in doubt,
you should ask yourself the following questions:
> Is it legal?
> Does it comply with generally-accepted industry regulations or normal industry
practices?
> Is it in line with the Group Values, Code of Business Ethics and Blue Book?
> Does it feel right?
> Would I be comfortable explaining it to fellow team members, team leaders,
clients, family or, externally, to the press?
If the answer to even one of the questions above is ‘no’, probably it is not the right
thing to do. Open a dialogue with your team leader, your Ethics & Compliance Officer
or HR manager to make the appropriate decision, and to be sure we continue “doing
the right thing”. Find your Ethics & Compliance Officer on your Group and local
websites—see Appendix for links.
If you have raised a concern locally and you think that it has not been handled
properly or in the exceptional case that it is inappropriate to raise the issue locally,
you can reach out to ‘SpeakUp’, Capgemini’s phone/web based helpline—see
Appendix for link.
“World’s Most Ethical Companies” and “Ethisphere” names and marks are registered trademarks of Ethisphere LLC.
2. People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.1 Health and safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
2.2 Equality, diversity and inclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2.3 Harassment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.4 Open dialogue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2.5 Behavior at work and work-related events . . . . . . . . . 20
3. Business Integrity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
3.1 Fair competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
3.2 Bribery and corruption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
3.3 Conflict of interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
3.4 Insider trading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
3.5 Accurate and correct business
and financial information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
3.6 Political activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4. Business Relationships . . . . . . . . . . . 31
4.1 Working with our clients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
4.2 Working with our alliance
and other business partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
4.3 Working with our suppliers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Version 2.8
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Seven Values
These Values are not only rules of behavior; they also provide the basis for our rules of conduct
and principles of action. They shape our sustainable ethical culture, our “Group DNA”, producing
a mindset encompassing integrity and ethical behavior.
Our Values are important for respecting, defending and upholding the Group as an ethical and
responsible business and for protecting our reputation.
TRUST, meaning the willingness to empower both individuals and teams; to have
decisions made as close as possible to the point where they will be put into practice.
Trust also means giving priority, within the company, to real openness toward other people
and the widest possible sharing of ideas and information.
FUN, means feeling good about being part of the company or one’s team, feeling proud
of what one does, feeling a sense of accomplishment in the search for better quality and greater
efficiency, feeling part of a challenging project.
5
The Board of Directors
7
Message from the Chairman and CEO
9
Group Executive Board Members
11
Section 1: Our Code of Business Ethics
www.capgemini.com/speakup
13
Section 2: People
We are committed to
providing a safe and
inclusive work environment.
15
Section 2: People
PRACTICAL EXAMPLES
I am working on a client site and have meetings in I am working on a project and my partner has
the production environment. What are my responsibilities problems that require my presence at home:
with regard to health and safety? this may have an impact on the way I work and
It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the client’s where I can work. What should I do?
health and safety policies, for example by requesting that your Raise the concern with your team leader so that
team leader obtains a copy of their health and safety handbook/ you can discuss appropriate ways to help you
policy. If you are working in an industrial environment, make sure continue to do your work. If you are the team
you don’t miss any health and safety courses the client offers. leader, then you should take your team members’
If there is a real concern for the health and safety of you or personal circumstances into account as far as
your team, raise the issue immediately with your team leader possible. If you are unsure what to do, speak with
who must raise it with the client, if necessary. If you are the team your human resources manager.
leader, checking the client’s health and safety policies should be
one of your first priorities at the start of a project.
DISCUSS OPENLY AND SHARE YOUR CONCERNS: If you are facing an issue involving health and safety of one of your
team members, do not keep it to yourself. You will get help and support by discussing it with your team leader or your
human resources manager.
PRACTICAL EXAMPLES
I want to make sure I have a diverse team. In my I am a team leader and one of my team members
recruitment activities, should I favor people from has expressed his/her disabilities to me. Does
minority groups over other candidates? the Group have facilities to ensure this person can
We should always assess candidates equally on the basis continue to do the job required of them?
of merit and professional competence. In our recruitment Yes. The Group has tools, technology and processes
activities, we should request any recruitment firm to to assist people with disabilities and ensure they can
present a diverse set of candidates, reflecting the society continue to do their job. Please contact your local human
in which we live. resources department for more information on what
is available.
DISCUSS OPENLY AND SHARE YOUR CONCERNS: If you are facing an issue involving equality, diversity and inclusion,
do not keep it to yourself. You will get help and support by discussing it with your team leader or your human resources
manager.
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Section 2: People
2.3 Harassment
PRACTICAL EXAMPLES
My team leader can be quite demanding and One of my fellow team members always stands
intimidating. He/she often makes unreasonable very closely behind me and touches my back
requests, argues and makes fun of me in front of my and shoulders while I am working at my desk.
fellow team members. Is this a form of harassment? It makes me feel very uncomfortable.
If your team leader is intimidating or treats you with Is this a form of harassment?
disrespect this could be classified as harassment. This could be a form of harassment. If you can, ask
If you feel that you or any of your fellow team members your fellow team member to refrain from touching you.
are not treated professionally you can raise the issue If you feel that the matter has not been addressed
directly with your team leader. If you feel uncomfortable properly, you can raise the issue with your team leader.
with this approach, discuss the matter with your human If you feel uncomfortable with this approach, discuss
resources manager instead. the matter with your human resources manager instead.
DISCUSS OPENLY AND SHARE YOUR CONCERNS: If you are facing an issue involving harassment, do not keep it
to yourself. You will get help and support by discussing it with your team leader or your human resources manager.
PRACTICAL EXAMPLES
I am a new team leader. What is expected of me to I’ve filled in the employee survey and have
make sure I maintain an open dialogue with my team not had any feedback or results. Should I have
members? received something?
As a team leader, you should set up regular team Yes. We encourage open dialogue and we use
meetings or conference calls that enable dialogue and our employee survey as a way to give you the ability
address the concerns of your team. to freely express your views. It is the role of the team
leader to make sure that the results are discussed
and fed back to you.
If you are a team leader it is your responsibility to make
sure that you implement the action plans, resulting from
the survey, for your area of responsibility.
DISCUSS OPENLY AND SHARE YOUR CONCERNS: If you are facing an issue involving open dialogue, do not keep
it to yourself. You will get help and support by discussing it with your team leader or your human resources manager.
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Section 2: People
PRACTICAL EXAMPLES
I attended a social event organized by my department During a work-related event, the discussion
and was uncomfortable with the amount of alcohol turned to politics. My colleague took an aggressive
consumed. Is this behavior appropriate? approach to push his/her political opinion.
When we are at a social event organized by the Group, we Is this appropriate?
are expected to behave appropriately. Consumption The Group respects personal opinions. However,
of alcohol during work-related events should not affect these should not be used to convince or manipulate
our behavior or judgment. This also applies to Group fellow team members.
training sessions at internal and external locations. It is worth remembering that topics involving politics,
In addition, as team members of a multi cultural Group, religion and sexuality can be highly sensitive, and
we must show respect and consideration for different you should consider refraining from addressing topics
cultures. In many countries where the Group operates, that may be deemed personal, objectionable or even
and for many of our people, alcohol is restricted or offensive.
even prohibited.
DISCUSS OPENLY AND SHARE YOUR CONCERNS: If you are facing an issue involving behavior at work and work-
related event, do not keep it to yourself. You will get help and support by discussing it with your team leader or your
human resources manager.
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Section 3: Business Integrity
The Group has provided detailed guidance on compliance with competition laws in the Group
Competition Laws Policy, available on your Group and local websites—see Appendix for the link.
DISCUSS WITH A LAWYER IN THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT: If you are facing an issue involving fair competition and
competition laws, do not keep it to yourself. You should discuss the issue directly with a lawyer in the legal department.
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Section 3: Business Integrity
We have provided specific guidance on this topic in the Group Anti-Corruption Policy—
see Appendix for the link.
DISCUSS WITH A LAWYER IN THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT: If you are facing an issue involving bribery and corruption,
do not keep it to yourself. You should discuss the issue directly with a lawyer in the legal department.
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Section 3: Business Integrity
PRACTICAL EXAMPLES
My partner works for a competitor. What should I be aware of? One of my close family relations works at
You should be aware that this is an extremely sensitive situation a leading recruitment agency that we often
and should be disclosed in writing to your manager. If you and use. Is this a potential conflict of interest?
your partner discuss any business information whatsoever you risk It depends on several factors such as the
violating the competition laws in your country. Both you and your individual handling the agency in question,
partner could be committing a criminal act if you discuss pricing or what your role is, or what your close relation’s
business opportunities. role is. Because this situation presents a potential
You should know what these laws are, and, if you have any doubt conflict of interest, you should be transparent
whatsoever about them, consult your Country’s Ethics & Compliance about the issue and notify your team leader.
Officer. Appropriate measures should be taken, such as
In addition, discussing business information with your partner may ensuring you are not involved on the account,
violate confidentiality obligations. to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest.
DISCUSS OPENLY AND SHARE YOUR CONCERNS: If you are facing an issue involving a conflict of interest, do not keep
it to yourself. You will get help and support by discussing it with your team leader or your human resources manager.
PRACTICAL EXAMPLES
Can I trade in Capgemini SE shares at any time I am working on a client system that gives me access
of the year? to client information. If I buy or sell these client
No. The Group has strict policies on this issue and shares, could this be considered insider trading?
has defined closed periods in which buying and selling Yes, especially if you have access to sensitive client
Capgemini SE shares or any other Group-related information. In addition, we may have to respect our
securities is prohibited. The Group notifies all team clients’ closed periods in the same way that we do
members of the closed periods. for our Group.
DISCUSS WITH A LAWYER IN THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT: If you are facing an issue involving insider trading, do not
keep it to yourself. You should discuss the issue directly with a lawyer in the legal department.
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Section 3: Business Integrity
PRACTICAL EXAMPLES
I have been contacted by an external party to provide financial I have to do several appraisals for
performance information on one of our Strategic Business Units. members of my team. Is there anything
Am I allowed to provide them with the information? I should be careful about in terms
No. The communication of financial information comes directly under of storing this information?
the responsibility of the Group CFO through either Group financial Yes. As with any other documented
control or the investor relations departments. You should not disclose information, all appraisal information needs
any financial performance information concerning the Group without to be accurate and stored centrally within
prior authorization. the appropriate local record management
system.
DISCUSS WITH A LAWYER IN THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT: If you are facing an issue involving accurate and correct
business and financial information, do not keep it to yourself. You should discuss the issue directly with a lawyer in the
legal department.
PRACTICAL EXAMPLES
My client is asking us to support their lobbying It appears that the political party in power is about
activities and they want us to add our name to their to change. Could we offer an Accelerated Solutions
lobbying list. Is this acceptable? Environment (ASE) for free to help one of the
No. Lobbying refers to trying to influence government political parties on their strategy formulation?
legislation, regulations or decision-making. You We should never make any cash donations or provide
should inform our client that we cannot lobby on behalf free use of the Group’s resources when dealing with
of our clients or support their lobbying activities. political parties since this may be considered a donation
or in-kind contribution in support of the political party.
Can I undertake lobbying activities? Is this However, we are allowed to treat political parties as
a political activity? clients and engage on a commercial, fee-paying basis.
Because lobbying implicates anti-bribery and anti- Because even this arrangement implicates anti-bribery
corruption laws—candidates and political parties may and anti-corruption laws—political parties may be
be deemed “government officials”—you should take deemed a “government official”—you should take great
great care. Any lobbying on behalf of the Group should care to involve a lawyer from your legal department, your
be approved by the Group and should be transparent. Country’s Ethics & Compliance Officer or the Group Chief
Ethics & Compliance Officer.
DISCUSS OPENLY AND SHARE YOUR CONCERNS: If you are facing an issue involving political activities, do not keep it
to yourself. You will get help and support by discussing it with your team leader or your human resources manager.
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Section 3: Business Integrity
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Section 4: Business Relationships
DISCUSS OPENLY AND SHARE YOUR CONCERNS: If you are facing an issue involving working with our clients, do not
keep it to yourself. You will get help and support by discussing it with your team leader or with your legal department.
My client has suggested that sponsoring its annual sports event would
help us to obtain a particular deal. What can I do?
You cannot enter into this type of reciprocal bargaining process because
developing good, long standing collaboration with clients does not imply
accepting unfair sales methods. This type of reciprocal dealing could
also raise bribery concerns in certain jurisdictions.
I am about to make a deal with a client for whom I know some referral
fees will be paid by a supplier to the Group. What should I do?
You should adopt a transparent attitude and tell the client. However,
in some countries, giving or receiving referral fees in connection with
obtaining or retaining business may be prohibited. You should know and
follow that country’s law with respect to giving or receiving referral fees.
If you have any doubt about legality, consult your legal department.
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Section 4: Business Relationships
DISCUSS OPENLY AND SHARE YOUR CONCERNS: If you are facing an issue involving working with our alliances and
others business partners, do not keep it to yourself. You will get help and support by discussing it with your team leader
or your legal department.
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Section 4: Business Relationships
PRACTICAL EXAMPLES
I recently went on a site visit to one of I am in negotiations with the procurement officer
our key suppliers and I am concerned about of one of our key suppliers. I think the supplier can
their environmental practices. What should I do? benefit from our Group services. Can I propose that
Raise your concern with your team leader or your local they buy our products in return for keeping
procurement team. The Group has a Supplier Standards our business?
of Conduct in place to monitor the environmental No. As a Group we refrain from reciprocal dealings,
and social practices of our suppliers in order to ensure only in exceptional situations and with prior authorization
a sustainable supply chain. is this allowed.
DISCUSS OPENLY AND SHARE YOUR CONCERNS: If you are facing an issue involving working with our suppliers,
do not keep it to yourself. You will get help and support by discussing it with your team leader or your legal department.
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Section 5: Group and Third-Party Assets
PRACTICAL EXAMPLES
I am working in a team that is developing I just did some research on our competitors and
a new methodology. Can I personally re-use the found a great offering. Can I copy the offering and
methodology outside my work with the Group? modify the material for our own offer development?
No. Any intellectual property, including methodology, No. We do not take any third-party intellectual property
software, hardware, processes, tools and know-how without authorization. Unauthorized use of others’
produced while working for the Group remain the intellectual property can expose the Group and even
property of the Group or of its client. individual team members to civil law suits and damages.
DISCUSS OPENLY AND SHARE YOUR CONCERNS: If you are facing an issue involving intellectual property, do not keep
it to yourself. You will get help and support by discussing it with your team leader or your legal department.
DISCUSS OPENLY AND SHARE YOUR CONCERNS: If you are facing an issue involving confidential information, do not
keep it to yourself. You will get help and support by discussing it with your team leader or your legal department.
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Section 5: Group and Third-Party Assets
5.3 Protecting
personal data
Legal data protection and legal data security are crucial for
each affiliate of Capgemini. The financial and reputational
risks are high. Capgemini has created a strong internal data
protection organization and a solid Data Protection Program
to protect the company against these risks.
DISCUSS OPENLY AND SHARE YOUR CONCERNS: If you are facing an issue involving protecting personal data, do not
keep it to yourself. You will get help and support by discussing it with your local Data Protection Officer.
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Section 5: Group and Third-Party Assets
PRACTICAL EXAMPLES
I am organizing a large personal event outside I am going out for lunch. What should I think about
work and need to make sure I have enough flyers in terms of security before I leave my desk?
to distribute. Can I use the Group photocopiers? Where applicable, always wear your security pass,
No. This is not appropriate use of Group resources. lock your computer/laptop screen and make sure that
any confidential or sensitive information is stored away.
Can I use my work Internet access to browse If you have a laptop, make sure it is physically locked
the Internet for personal purposes? to prevent loss or theft.
Limited use of communication tools such as e-mail
and the Internet may be acceptable, as long as it does
not incur any costs and does not interfere with your
job responsibilities.
In general, during non-working hours you may use your
professional laptop incidentally for personal purposes.
However, you must not install unauthorized software.
DISCUSS OPENLY AND SHARE YOUR CONCERNS: If you are facing an issue involving the appropriate use of Group and
third-party assets and resources, do not keep it to yourself. You will get help and support by discussing it with your team
leader or your human resources manager.
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Section 6: Responsible Citizenship
6.1 Contributing
to the communities
The Group wishes to have a positive impact on the
communities in which it lives and operates. As a major
global employer, it works with national and international
organizations on community projects.
PRACTICAL EXAMPLES
I would like to participate in a volunteering activity I am actively involved with a local community group
with our local charity during a working week. Does and we are organizing a large event. Can the Group
the Group allow for volunteering days? sponsor or donate meeting rooms for the event?
Check your local policies on what is allowed. In some Any donations, gifts or in-kind contributions need to
countries, certain Group companies allow for a number be approved. Check with your team leader what level
of days to be booked for volunteering, especially when of approval is required. The legal department, tax
participating in a volunteering event with an organization department, the human resources department and even
supported by the Group. the communications department may be involved. Also
check whether the organization you wish to donate to
complies with Group policies; the Group does not sponsor
religious or political organizations.
DISCUSS OPENLY AND SHARE YOUR CONCERNS: If you are facing an issue involving contributing to the communities,
do not keep it to yourself. You will get help and support by discussing it with your team leader or your human resources
manager.
PRACTICAL EXAMPLES
I am traveling abroad and there is an option to I am always told to switch off lights and print
go by train or by plane. What do I choose? double-sided. Do my personal actions really make
First of all check whether it is essential to travel. a difference?
The Group offers numerous virtual working tools, In many of the countries in which we operate, we have
such as videoconferencing. If you do need to travel, implemented successful environmental initiatives such
look to balance time, costs and environmental impact. as switching to double-sided printing, which has
This will help you to make the appropriate solution dramatically reduced paper consumption. Your individual
that can support the priorities of our environmental contribution makes a difference. In a Group of our
objectives balanced with the needs of our business. size, everyone saving several sheets of paper a day
or switching off the lights soon adds up.
DISCUSS OPENLY AND SHARE YOUR CONCERNS: If you are facing an issue involving a particular impact on the
environment, do not keep it to yourself. You will get help and support by discussing it with your team leader or your
human resources manager.
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Appendix
1. Code of Business Ethics
https://talent.capgemini.com/global/pages/about_us/our_group/ethicsandcompliance/policies__guidelines/policies/code_of_business_ethics/
3. SpeakUp Policy
https://talent.capgemini.com/global/pages/about_us/our_group/ethicsandcompliance/speakup/
6. Blue Book
https://talent.capgemini.com/global/pages/about_us/our_group/ethicsandcompliance/policies__guidelines/policies/blue_book_intro/
Capgemini
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75 017 PARIS – France
47
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www.capgemini.com