Our virtual discussion groups provide an opportunity to share questions, ambitions, challenges, approaches, opportunities, resources/tools used, progress and lessons learnt with members from across the network in an informal and friendly environment.  Our Sustainable Procurement Discussion Group brings members together to discuss a range of topics relating to sustainable procurement and supply chain engagement.

Areas for discussion include (and are not limited to):

·       Understanding (measuring and reporting on) the environmental impact of your procurement

·       Sustainable procurement principles that members have or would like to develop

·       What does a good sustainable procurement policy look like?

·       How do we introduce sustainable procurement policies, prioritise and set targets?

·       How to develop and implement an impactful sustainable procurement strategy and action plan

·       How do we engage with/influence procurement teams and suppliers?

·       Developing supplier questions and/or evidence e.g. certifications that support your sustainable procurement policy.  A comparison of members’ supplier instructions or codes of conduct and how to simply this process

·       How to enable your sustainable procurement policy to be practical and support a range of suppliers e.g. smaller/local

·       A more in-depth look at particular procurement areas e.g. catering, construction, office equipment, retail etc

·       Monitoring (reporting) and benchmarking – how is everyone else getting on?  How do you start to collect procurement data that is both appropriate and available? How to develop and improve data collection and reporting to support further positive change.

·       Assessing impacts and risks for various categories of spend (how to use data and finance systems to prioritise)

·       How does procurement connect into and influence the challenge of reducing scope 3 emissions and achieving net zero?

·       Compliance and standards e.g. ISO20400

·       Resources, guidance and case studies that can support you

·       Is it better (with regards to both budget available and effectiveness) to have a designated sustainable procurement role or to spread responsibility and accountability throughout an organisation?  If it is not viable to create a specific role, what is the best approach to implementing sustainable procurement throughout an organisation?

·       Internal communication and buy-in of sustainable procurement strategy.  How do you embed in your organisation’s culture?

Once you have registered, we will be in touch to identify any specific topics you would like the group to focus on.  Where possible we will identify a suitable guest speaker.

All members are welcome to attend, regardless of previous experience or knowledge on this topic. The group will be of benefit to all network members, whatever your size and scope of operations/activity.  From organisations just starting off to those already delivering sustainable procurement policy and strategy there will be lots to share and collaborate on, from identifying collective challenges to learning from other approaches.