Carrot or the stick – what’s the best way to get supplier engagement on sustainability? This (light) debate brings two contrasting opinions to the table. 

Making the case for the softer approach is Stephen Rose MCIPS, head of supply chain services at air traffic controller NATS, and an advocate for building strong supplier relationships. 

Countering is Becky Annison, head of engagement at the legal body Chancery Lane Project, who will explain why adding ESG clauses into contracts is the most effective tool in your arsenal.

It is in procurement’s gift to drive social value in supply chains and ensure that spending drives positive, lasting social impact. But what does meaningful social value look like in practice? 

In this session, hear why procurement can drive social mobility by working with suppliers to set real living wage standards. TfL shared how they created apprenticeship and workplace opportunities for women and underrepresented communities in the engineering sector. And, get top tips on shaping social value-based tender questions and how you measure and report impact.

Session supported by Procure Partnerships Framework

As the urgency to meet decarbonisation targets increases, procurement and supply professionals play a critical role in driving meaningful emissions reductions. But how do you reach and engage those hard-to-reach suppliers? What can procurement functions do to support SMEs and those organisations that don’t have existing capabilities to capture their emissions data, let alone manage it? And, how do you equip category managers and buyers with effective tools to have meaningful conversations with suppliers? 

Two procurement sustainability leaders will reveal how they are addressing these challenges and hear directly from an SME engaged in their own Scope 3 journey to better understand the supplier perspective.

This year’s CIPS Global State of Procurement & Supply report, supported by GEP, finds a community that is gaining in influence and confidence. Professionals know that they must develop their leadership and strategic skills to bring their insights to the top table. As senior procurement leaders gain permanent seats on the main board, how do you deliver the most impact? Why do procurement and supply leaders hold the keys to driving automation and delivering genuine sustainable impact? 

A panel of CPOs offered their views on the findings and shared valuable advice for the profession to maintain its newfound voice.