PPB July 2015

One must understand the responsi-

bility that lies with the procurement

function, in how its actions affect not

only its own business but also the

human and environmental factors found

throughout the supply chain.

Our business values are absolutely

about responsible sourcing, including

ethical trading, product safety/compli-

ance and sustainability. Believe me, it

takes a lot of commitment from everyone

on the team to deliver on compliance

and ethical issues. But it is also tough

sometimes to educate the various stake-

holders within buying organizations—

price is a critical factor and it is impor-

tant to be able to explain why something

is worth those few extra pence.

PRODUCT RESPONSIBILITY

PROTECT YOUR BRAND REPUTATION

RESPONSIBLE SOURCING AND PROCUREMENT SENDS CLIENTS A POWERFUL MESSAGE

BY GILL THORPE, FCIPS

JULY 2015 •

PPB

• 65

THINK

T HAS BEEN INTERESTING

reading the approach

from the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply

in terms of its call for a professional “licence to practice”

to protect the public. Following unprecedented global events,

including the horsemeat fiasco in the UK and the Bangladesh

factory tragedy, which put a human price on the failure to

understand and make provisions for risk in the supply chain,

the licence is calling for a clear focus on personal accountability

in procurement and supply management, across public and pri-

vate sectors and non-governmental organizations.