Ethics and governance

The Hachette Livre CSR policy, which encompasses the entire value chain, aims to guarantee responsible practices that respect human rights and comply with relevant regulations.

In inbound operations, the Group is particularly attentive to suppliers and subcontractors in sectors with inherent risks. These partners are asked to sign the Responsible Supplier Charter, which sets out clear principles regarding labor rights and environmental commitments. The Group monitors their practices via recognized evaluation tools, regular assessments, and efforts to encourage international labor certifications.

In outbound operations, the CSR policy applies to logistics partners, with a particular focus on selection and practices. Calls for tender include labor and environmental criteria to gauge potential providers’ commitment to responsibility. Site-specific initiatives are also implemented to ensure safe, compliant working conditions at the local level. 

This approach allows the Group to maintain a structured value chain consistent with its principles, which is also conducive to the continued improvement of its partners’ practices.

Compliance and business ethics are central to strategic management. The Group has a zero-tolerance policy on corruption, which is implemented worldwide. The Anti-Corruption Code of Conduct defines the rules for integrity and risk prevention for all employees.

New hires receive compliance training upon arrival, and staff exposed to particular risks receive specialized instruction. These training courses are updated on a regular basis to reflect changes in regulations and industry practices.

Relationships with business partners are governed by evaluation processes and clear rules designed to prevent conflicts of interest and guarantee integrity in business relationships.

The digital transition has brought about new challenges, which have led Hachette Livre to strengthen its policy governing cybersecurity and the protection of personal data.

A Group-wide data protection officer, appointed with the French Data Protection Authority (CNIL), works closely with the Hachette Livre’s legal departments. 

Awareness initiatives are conducted for staff, alongside best practice guides, training sessions, and prevention campaigns, including the mandatory “Cyber&Moi” e-learning module. New information on personal data protection is shared on a regular basis, and the register of processing operations is maintained and updated regularly.

The Group has established procedures to ensure these principles are followed in-house and in dealings with third parties. These measures may be applied during project planning (security compliance and personal data protection reviews by the Design Office), during the contracting process (security/personal data questionnaire to be completed by the third party and submitted to the relevant Legal Department and the Information Security Department), during the project and following its completion.

Our technical systems are updated regularly to ensure a high level of security. Enhanced measures have been implemented to detect and protect against cyberattacks, with ongoing monitoring of security incidents.

Hachette Livre adapts its processes to meet new regulatory requirements. In 2024, the Group restructured its data and reporting to comply with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which applies to Lagardère group. This approach ensures that the sustainability report is published in accordance with the applicable standards for 2025 onward.

Hachette Livre continues to monitor new developments in the sector, particularly regarding the EU regulation against deforestation and forest degradation (EUDR).

Code of Ethics

As a Lagardère group company, Hachette Livre applies the Group Code of Ethics, a framework document underpinning the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy, which guides employees in all their daily actions and decisions.

Whistleblowing system

As part of our approach to ethics and in line with our regulatory requirements, our parent company, Lagardère, has set up a group-wide, web-based whistleblowing system called Ethics Line.

Accessible online via the button below, the platform can be used to confidentially report any unethical or unlawful behavior related to the Group’s business operations.

This shared system fulfils regulatory requirements and reflects our dedication to fostering a culture of integrity and accountability at all levels of the company.