Frequently asked questions for suppliers

 

Why am I being asked to complete this assessment now?  

We undertake supplier assurance to ensure we’re meeting client expectations and our legal obligations to act responsibly in the way we collect, use and share personal data.  

I’m unable to complete the assessment by the deadline. What should I do?  

Please contact us as soon as possible. The questionnaire link we send is time-limited and automatically expires, so we’ll need to set up any agreed extension on our system.   

Will it take a long time to complete? 

The questions we’re asking should be straightforward, and we’d expect most suppliers to have easy access to the information needed.  

We’ve designed the assessment to ensure we’re obtaining a proportionate amount of information relevant to the type of product or service you supply. Most suppliers will complete the assessment quite quickly, but it may take you a bit longer if you’re supplying a more complex data service.  

What if I don’t know the answer or understand a question?  

If you don’t know the answer to or understand a question we’ve asked, you may want to seek professional advice. You may find it helpful to read the Information Commissioner’s Office Guide to Data Protection and their advice on controllers and processors. We’ll try to clarify any questions you feel unsure of, but we’re unable to provide you with legal advice.

If you think a question is not relevant, please indicate this in the appropriate place and justify your response.   

What happens if I don’t complete the questionnaire?  

Most suppliers complete the assessment fully and within the time specified. Doing so will help ensure we can continue to procure your services without disruption.  

If I answer a question incorrectly will you stop procuring services from me?  

This isn’t a test and there are no right or wrong answers. The assessment is designed to ensure we understand our supply chain better and can make better informed decisions about risks. Where your assessment indicates any issues of concern, we’ll highlight these and try to work with you to understand how you can manage these to an acceptable level.  

In an environment where compliance is of increasing importance, we think your ability to answer the sorts of questions asked in the assessment should help position you favourably - not just with us, but also with your other customers.  

What will you do with the information provided during the assessment?  

We use OneTrust, which is a market leading privacy management platform, to safely collect, store and analyse your responses. When we’ve received your response, it’ll be automatically assessed to identify anything needing further review. In some cases, we may need you to provide further information or to clarify your response. 

 

We employ appropriate security measures to keep data safe and secure and we will, of course, keep your responses confidential.  

Who do I contact with questions about the assessment process? 

We’ve tried to provide as much guidance and prompts within the assessment as possible, but if you have any questions or feedback about the assessment process then please contact us or reach out to the person in our business who manages your relationship.  

Will I be re-assessed again in the future?  

We’ll periodically ask you to review the information you’ve provided to ensure it remains accurate and up to date - but we won’t ask you to complete a new assessment. If you start supplying new products or services, then we may need to ask some more questions in the future about those additional products or services.  

Can I get a copy of the assessment?  

We’ll happily provide you with a copy of the responses you gave to the questions asked in the assessment. Just let us know if this is the case.   

How long will the assessment take to be reviewed?  

We’ll review your initial response within [x days] of receipt, and we’ll always try to conclude the assessment as quickly as possible.

We’ve put processes in place to minimise disruption to the supply of services, and we may provide a provisional acceptance in some cases where appropriate controls are planned and are being put in place.   

I’ve never supplied goods or services to Dentsu Aegis Network. Who are you?  

We’re a global media agency operating under a variety of brands. Please contact us for further details if you’re unsure.