{"id":3307,"date":"2021-10-19T14:31:35","date_gmt":"2021-10-19T14:31:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ghlprocurement.com\/?p=3307"},"modified":"2021-12-01T15:53:27","modified_gmt":"2021-12-01T15:53:27","slug":"supply-chain-standards-responsible-sourcing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ghlprocurement.com\/supply-chain-standards-responsible-sourcing\/","title":{"rendered":"Supply Chain Standards: Responsible Sourcing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Responsible sourcing isn’t a new concept or a new trend that will pass. It is a big, and we mean big, element and part of supply chain management today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is a way for businesses to help raise social, ethical, and environmental standards globally and deliver tangible value through all parts of the supply chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, responsible sourcing (or supply chain responsibility) is a voluntary commitment by companies, but a commitment that comes with numerous benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With consumer behaviour dramatically changing in favour of more ethical and sustainable products and services and government legislation changing surrounding ethical business practices, raising supply chain standards and ensuring that you are sourcing responsibly has never been so important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, the definition of ‘sourcing’ has changed slightly. Businesses still look to achieve the lowest possible prices for goods and services with minimal risk; however, now businesses also include the need to source in an efficient, socially conscious, and sustainable way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Areas to investigate<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are lots of ground to cover and areas to understand when considering supply chain standards and responsible sourcing. Some of the main areas include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Workers’ conditions<\/strong> \u2013 working conditions vary significantly across global supply chains, making it a complex and challenging area to manage, control, and maintain. Ideally, you must identify the labour standards throughout your entire supply chain, vetting processes and procedures continuously, and regularly carry out robust checks, audits, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Environmental awareness<\/strong> \u2013 what impact does your business operations and supply chain infrastructure have on the environment? How can you minimise any negative impact? What strategies do you have in place to mitigate risk?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Factory audits<\/strong> \u2013 carrying out regular and detailed inspections help ensure that this element of your supply chain meets all social, ethical, and environmental aspects, i.e., the report should detail how a desirable standard of conditions and production is achieved.  Scoring and providing feedback for any areas of improvement are essential during these audits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vetting suppliers<\/strong> \u2013 check social management systems, workers’ rights and protection, ethical business behaviour, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Health and safety<\/strong> \u2013 are there clear occupational health and safety regulations and guidelines in place?  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conduct supply chain due diligence<\/strong> \u2013 provide transparency in all actions throughout all stages of the supply chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Technology <\/strong>\u2013 make use of technological advancements to help reduce risk and minimise any negative impact on the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meeting international standards<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To support a business’s compliance with the environment, ISO: 14001<\/a> is the international standard that specifies and outlines the requirements necessary to achieve an effective environmental management system. Providing a framework for businesses to follow to set up an effective environmental management system, the advantages of ISO14001:2005 certification include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n