Case Studies

Some initial case studies are referred to below, with others being added over the coming months.

The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS): CIPS is the international professional body for procurement and has lead on a number of initiatives on supplier diversity. It works closely with SDE.

The organisation has promoted and made the case for supplier diversity in its industry, and how it can add value to the procurement process. It has, for example, commissioned a guide for purchasing organisations on supplier diversity; included it as part of the content of the CIPS Leaders Network; set in train the inclusion of supplier diversity in the CIPS graduate diploma syllabus; included the issue in work with a number of companies, and has also been involved in a programme of work on supplier diversity in South Africa. See a recent presentation prepared by CIPS on aspects of supplier diversity.

The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP): Supplier Diversity Europe has developed a good working relationship with this Government Department as it has developed its approach to supplier diversity.

DWP now tries to ensure that it addresses supplier diversity at each stage of its procurement and contract management programme. In specifications, for example, bidders are encouraged to consider how a more diverse supply chain could potentially improve their capacity to deliver a contract.

Other steps that have been taken include, for example, the launch of a DWP supplier charter that includes supplier diversity considerations with all their key suppliers. DWP also works proactively with suppliers to promote good practice in this area, and through the supply chain tries to ensure that the approach is progressed further down the chain. This has a particular impact on small and divers businesses (More information may be found in a recent presentation).

The Law Society
The Law Society has an active programme supporting equality and diversity in the supplier process.

They have recently developed a ‘light touch’ diversity performance management tool, designed to be utilized as part of standard contract management practices. The tool enables organizations to demonstrate areas of strength and innovation on equality, diversity and inclusion.