Why is the RFAR Certification important for BNP Paribas?
Enguerrand de Pontevès | This Certification is a testimony to our exemplary efforts and our credibility as a bank committed to our stakeholders. Over the years, we have worked with our suppliers to standardise our practices, improve efficiency and promote a more responsible economy. This Certification is a source of great satisfaction for all involved, as it reflects the commitment of the Procurement function and our desire to drive continuous improvement in our practices. It rewards the various actions that we have implemented, such as training employees, raising awareness among stakeholders, getting inclusive companies onboard as approved suppliers, reducing payment deadlines and strengthening ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) criteria in our calls for tender.
What does this Certification mean for the BNL teams?
Veronica Garsia | Achieving RFAR Certification is an important acknowledgment of our accomplishments so far and sets out in a clear and measurable way our organisation’s future commitment to integrate social and environmental criteria into our procurement processes. This Certification supports BNL' s ambition of becoming the leading Italian bank in addressing ESG issues. We are proud to have reached this milestone, while driving an ambitious and stimulating project whose outcome was never taken for granted. I want to express my gratitude to all the BNL teams who recognised the significance of this prestigious accolade and put in the effort to ensure we achieved it.
What will Personal Finance Certification change?
Jocelyn Brottes | We are delighted and proud to have achieved this RFAR Certification after a year of groundwork and collaborative effort between the BNP Paribas Personal Finance and Group Procurement teams. Personal Finance is now one of the largest buyers in the market, recognised for its influence and strong commitment to responsible procurement. This reflects the daily input by the teams on concrete CSR initiatives in the end-to-end procurement process. However, this award is not an end. Above all, we see it as an invitation to continue and accelerate our efforts in a process of continuous improvement to make our procurement practices even more responsible, while striving for excellence in this area. I would like to thank all my teams and all the stakeholders within Personal Finance, top management and internal customers, who supported us in this Certification process, while not forgetting, of course, the CSR team at Procurement & Performance for their valuable support.
What are the longer-term prospects for the Group?
Enguerrand de Pontevès | This Certification is a testimony to our exemplary efforts and our credibility as a bank committed to our stakeholders. Over the years, we have worked with our suppliers to standardise our practices, improve efficiency and promote a more responsible economy. This Certification is a source of great satisfaction for all involved, as it reflects the commitment of the Procurement function and our desire to drive continuous improvement in our practices. It rewards the various actions that we have implemented, such as training employees, raising awareness among stakeholders, getting inclusive companies onboard as approved suppliers, reducing payment deadlines and strengthening ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) criteria in our calls for tender!
What is responsible procurement?
Responsible procurement refers to the purchase of goods or services from a supplier or service provider that has been selected to minimize negative environmental and social impacts and promote good ethical and human rights practices. The adjective “responsible” therefore refers to corporate social responsibility (CSR).
The adjective “responsible” therefore refers to corporate social responsibility (CSR).
The “Supplier Relations & Responsible Procurement” Certification at BNP Paribas
Created in 2012, the “ Supplier Relations & Responsible Procurement ” (RFAR – Relations Fournisseurs et Achats Responsables) Certification is the first and only one recognized by the French Government when it comes to responsible procurement. Backed by the ISO 20400 standard, it promotes the balance and quality of relations between customers and suppliers, to guarantee purchases with a positive impact. It is awarded jointly by the MDE – Médiation des Entreprises (Business Ombudsman) and the CNA (National Purchasing Council) for a period of three years, with an annual check on major issues and compliance with the progress plan.
The Group has been committed to this Certification since 2021 and has since implemented a continuous improvement plan in line with its values. BNP Paribas has therefore completed a first cycle of RFAR Certification for the period 2021-2023, focusing on the scope of BNP Paribas SA in France. For the new 2024-2026 cycle, the scope of application covered three entities: BNP Paribas SA in France, BNP Paribas Personal Finance in France and BNL in Italy.
