Compliance
The Dentsu Group Code of Conduct states: ”At dentsu we believe we must be a force for good. When we do the right thing as individuals, it becomes who we are as a company. It’s what makes being a force for good possible, and it starts with each and every one of us.”
To put this commitment into practice, dentsu has established a compliance management structure led by executive leadership.
This structure supports medium- to long-term compliance initiatives across the Group.
In addition, we reinforce our commitment to compliance through proactive communication from executives, as well as training programmes for management and employees across the Group.
Our leadership and management structure
Compliance Programme Overview
Code of Conduct and Group Policies
Training and Communication
Speak Up and Reporting Concerns
Our leadership and management structure
Dentsu has established the Group Compliance Committee (GCC) under the Group Management Board (GMB) to advance compliance-driven management and promote the consistent implementation of policies across the Group.
The GCC deliberates on matters necessary to establish, maintain and ensure the effective operation of dentsu’s Group-wide compliance framework. Matters discussed by the GCC are reported to the Board of Directors through the GMB, supporting appropriate oversight and accountability.
Further information on dentsu’s overall corporate governance structure is available from the links below.
Related links
Corporate governance structure
Corporate Governance Report（1.04MB）
Compliance Programme Overview
Dentsu’s Group Compliance Programme is designed to align with recognised global best practice in ethics and compliance. It aims to ensure the programme is well-designed, implemented with clear commitment from the business, and operates effectively in practice.
The programme is underpinned by leadership commitment from management at Group, regional and market levels, who play an important role in setting the tone from the top, promoting responsible business conduct and supporting consistent implementation across dentsu. It is also supported by appropriate compliance structures and governance, autonomy and resources, and discipline and incentives that reinforce accountability. We are committed to continuous improvement of our programme through periodic testing and review.
*The overall structure of the Group Compliance Programme is illustrated in the diagram above.
Code of Conduct and Group Policies
Dentsu’s compliance framework is supported by Group policies and controls that help employees and business partners understand the standards expected of them. The Dentsu Group Code of Conduct sets out the principles of conduct at dentsu and guides the actions of all dentsu people including Group executives and employees. These policies provide guidance on key areas of responsible business conduct, including anti-bribery and corruption, supplier conduct, data protection, information security and responsible use of technology.
Related links
Dentsu Group Code of Conduct
Dentsu Group Anti-Bribery & Corruption Policy（132KB）
Dentsu Group Supplier Code of Conduct（115KB）
Global Data Protection Principles（74KB）
Dentsu Group Information Security Basic Policy
Dentsu Responsible AI Principles（133KB）
Training and Communication
Group executives regularly communicate dentsu’s commitment to good governance, ethical conduct and doing business with integrity. These communications help set the tone from the top, reinforce compliance as a shared responsibility, and support employees in applying Group policies and standards in their day-to-day decision making.
Dentsu also delivers ethics and compliance training across the Group through a combination of e-learning and in-person training. This includes mandatory annual training on the Dentsu Group Code of Conduct for all executives and employees, helping to establish a consistent baseline of understanding across markets, functions and levels of seniority.
Training completion is monitored across the Group, with escalation and consequences applied where required. Together, leadership communication and training support dentsu’s commitment to embedding compliance into everyday business and maintaining a strong compliance culture.
Related links
Dentsu Group Code of Conduct
Compliance programme
Compliance reporting system (Speak Up@dentsu)
Speak Up and Reporting Concerns
Dentsu is committed to providing a safe, fair and equitable workplace. As part of this commitment, SpeakUp@dentsu provides employees and stakeholders with a confidential channel to raise concerns about behaviour that may violate dentsu’s Code of Conduct, company policies or company values.
The SpeakUp@dentsu portal is operated independently and allows individuals to report anonymously or provide their details if they feel comfortable doing so.The portal is free to use, confidential and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via toll-free numbers or at speakup.dentsu.com.
Dentsu has a zero-tolerance policy against retaliation of any kind against individuals who speak up in good faith. This supports a culture where people feel able to raise concerns safely and helps dentsu uphold its commitment to integrity, accountability and responsible business conduct.
