Ethics and compliance at Saur

Our Code of conduct

Consistent with our Ethics Charter published in 2014, and driven by an ethical commitment to long-term success, we published our first Code of Conduct in 2018. Updated in 2022, it formally sets out our commitments and the behavior we expect from each other in our working environment, in the relationships we have with our partners, and in our interaction with society as a whole.

We also have a whistleblowing system for internal and external stakeholders to report any situation that may potentially breach the Code of Conduct or any failure to comply with a legal or regulatory obligation.

Read our Code of conduct

Anti-corruption measures

A policy to counter all forms of corruption

We know corruption and dishonesty of any kind are highly detrimental to every part of our ecosystem. Our Code of Conduct also helps us to push back against all forms of corruption. It is a clear statement of the fundamental anti-corruption principles applying to all Group entities and employees, and specifically covers:

The acceptance of gifts and invitations
Conflicts of interest
The stakeholder evaluation process
Corporate sponsorship and political involvement

We also run awareness-raising campaigns, and in 2022 introduced specialist training for those teams most exposed to corruption risks.

Anti-bribery management systems

As a testament to the robustness of our approach, Saur has been certified ISO 37001:2016 by Speeki Europe for its Anti-Bribery Management System. This international certification recognizes our effective implementation of systems to prevent, detect and respond to bribery and corruption risks.

A corruption and influence peddling risk map

To achieve its targets for growth, Saur implements a process of controlled risk management. This process identifies risks and opportunities with the potential to negatively impact on the achievement of Saur Group strategic objectives.

First introduced in 2021, the Group risk map was then updated in 2024. The pace of Group growth over the last three years had made an update essential, and all company functions and scopes were involved in the updating process.

This consultative approach helped to raise team awareness of risk prevention challenges and gain an overview of the situation. A large number of meetings were held to define the register of risks. Each risk scenario was then assessed.

A detailed review specific to each risk was then conducted for each activity and region in order to share a detailed understanding of how the risk concerned could pose a threat within their scope of responsibility. This feedback stage also provided the information needed to co-construct and implement action plans, with particular emphasis on those risks assessed as major, as part of optimizing operations.

Risk exposure datasheets were completed by those activities responsible for managing each specific risk. Each of the actions detailed in these datasheets has an associated indicator so that we can monitor the progress and impact of our actions on risk on a six-monthly basis. This mapping process makes it possible to direct and focus personal effort and financial resources on preventing those risks of greatest potential significance to the Group.

A woman standing on a wastewater treatment plant in uniform

Selecting business partners

We pay close attention to our choice of business partners, and have implemented assessment procedures designed to identify potential risks and/or concerns around issues of integrity.

To go further still, we have obtained ISO 37001 anti-corruption certification for all our entities in France. This certification was granted in July 2019.

An appropriate governance structure

Our executive management teams define the key principles that govern these systems, and provide the supervision required to ensure that they are effectively implemented. Our business ethics and compliance system are overseen by the Group General Secretary, who is also a member of the Management Committee.

The Compliance Department reports directly to the Committee, and has responsibility for formalizing and implementing policies, procedures and other formal frameworks and guidelines. It also contributes to training initiatives designed to further strengthen the shared culture of business ethics and compliance throughout the Group. Its work is informed by a network of representatives working in the main entities and operating countries of the Group.

All operational and central services departments are involved in implementing and ensuring compliance with those procedures as the apply to their specific areas of activity.

The Group Audit Department has responsibility for ensuring system compliance, and provides the executive management teams with regular progress reports and updates.

An employee working with uniform in pipes

Whistleblowing channel

As part of its ethical approach, the Saur group has set up a whistleblowing channel for employees, candidates for recruitment and external stakeholders to report any situation that could characterise a violation of the Code of Conduct or a breach of a legal and regulatory obligation.

This mechanism completes the traditional channels of expression and internal communication. The procedures for handling reports are available on the reporting platform.

Access our ethical reporting portal

Principles shared with stakeholders

As a committed partner, Saur has relationships with many stakeholders whose profiles and challenges differ: these include customers, suppliers, partners and others. The Group places particular emphasis on ensuring that all of these share its own high standards of business ethics and integrity. Special clauses to this effect are included in all its contracts with third parties.

Committed to the UN Global compact

In 2003, Saur became a signatory of the Global Compact international voluntary corporate social responsibility initiative launched in 2000 by the United Nations..

Signing the Global Compact means sharing the conviction that business practices based on a number of universally recognized principles will contribute to the emergence of a more stable, fairer, more open global market and prosperous, dynamic societies. Saur is therefore committed, within its sphere of influence, to upholding and promoting the 10 universal Global Compact principles covering human rights, labor standards, the environment and the need to combat corruption. Every year, Saur publishes its commitments and achievements in relation to these principles on the Global Compact website.