Global Compact

Vigeo, the leading French social responsibility ratings agency, ranked Thomson in its 2008 European “Technology & Hardware” sector benchmark study as one of the best in class performers for business behaviour, Corporate Governance and for its community involvement.

To advance responsible corporate citizenship and universal social and environmental principles, Thomson has been a member of the United Nations Global Compact since 2003. Launched in 1999, the UN Global Compact requires companies to embrace, support, and enacts within their sphere of influence a set of values in the areas of human rights, labor, the environment, and anti-corruption. Thomson’s core values high ethical standards, striving to improve safety and environmental responsibility initiatives, and fair business practices meet or exceed the goals embodied in the UN Global Compact initiative.

Thomson’s Code of Ethics sets the foundation for the Group’s dedication to act responsibly in all of its dealings with employees, suppliers, customers and local communities. Updated and enhanced in 2008, the Ethics Charter covers a broad range of issues, from business practices and human rights to the environment, health and safety. All Thomson employees are required to respect the conduct and practices laid out in the Ethics Charter. This same universal obligation applies to all Thomson suppliers and subcontractors.

Suppliers and subcontractors are regularly audited by Thomson to ensure compliance with the Group’s policies and standards. Initiated in 2002, the supplier ethics audit program has resulted in hundreds of supplier audits over the past six years. In addition, the Social Accountabilities 8000 standard (SA 8000) is used as a basis for evaluating those suppliers with manufacturing facilities in high-risk areas. Established by an independent, multi-disciplinary group of international experts, the SA 8000 standard is designed to ensure humane workplaces.

Global Compact: Thomson 2008 Communication in Progress Read (PDF)