APC 2010 Annual Report Download - page 62

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
2RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT ANDFOR ETHICS, MOTORS OF ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE
4 The fight against corruption
Schneider Electric policy
Our Principles of Responsibility : a common base for
ethical and responsible practices
In 2002, Schneider Electric published Our Principles of
Responsibility*. This is a reference document for ethical risks. It
was updated and validated by the Supervisory Board in April2008,
the Executive Committee in November2008, and published in
June2009. It was rolled out globally in 2010.
Our Principles of Responsibility were prepared in compliance with
the 10 principles of the Global Compact, the corporate governance
principles, the universal declaration on the rights of man and the
international labor regulations. As a result, these principles comply
with international standards such as the anti-corruption principles.
Employees
A plan of action for widespread communication was rolled out
internally in 2010, as well as an organisation and processes to allow
Group employees to respond to questions or report practices that
they judge to be dubious ethically.
Shareholders
With regard to shareholders, Our Principles of Responsibility are
mentioned in corporate documents (annual report and business
and sustainable development reports), which are available on the
Schneider Electric website.
Suppliers
A specifi c document is distributed to all the Group’s suppliers, the
Schneider Electric Supplier Guide Book. This document is a reference
for relationships with suppliers; it defi nes the responsibilities, as well
as Schneider Electric’s commitment to fi ghting corruption.
Main plans of action in 2010
Fight against corruption
Schneider Electric must complete surveys, controlled by rating
agencies and investors on sustainable development practices, which
often include questions on very specifi c subjects such as our anti-
corruption policies. We make an effort to respond to all questions
with full transparency.
In 2010, the Ethics Council, created in 2009 and presided by the
General Director of Strategy and Innovation, created a progress plan
based on the seven points:
1. identify high level employees to monitor the deployment of
Responsibility & Ethical Dynamics (see page 50);
2. defi ne good practices to prevent illegal actions, notably with an
alerts system;
3. ensure that all policies comply with “Our Principles of
Responsibility»;
4. inform employees of standards and procedures;
5. implement monitoring, audit, and reporting systems;
6. establish a discipline for the implementation of standards and
procedures;
7. in the event of a breach of the ethics principles, take the corrective
measures necessary, including the consolidation of procedures.
Examples in 2010
Other anti-corruption initiatives have been implemented, often at the
national or regional level:
•in France, Schneider Electric is involved in defi ning ethical
standards as part of the Enterprise and Ethics Commission of
the GIMELEC, a grouping of electrical equipment manufacturers;
•in Russia, Schneider Electric signed an ethics charter with the
Association of European Businesses;
•Schneider Electric Egypt obtained specifi c anti-corruption
certifi cation for its work with the National Electricity Corporation
in Sudan.
*For further information on Our Principles of Responsibility, see page 50
2010 REGISTRATION DOCUMENT SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC60