The highest risk commodities areas have been identified as;
- Audio-Visual, IT & Multimedia Supplies;
- Catering Supplies & Services;
- Furniture, Furnishings & textiles;
- Janitorial & Domestic Supplies & Services;
- Professional & Bought-in Services including consultancy;
- Travel & Transport (incl. Vehicle hire & Subsistence);
- Estates & Buildings;
What have we done in 2021/22
The University
Tendering Policy includes a Responsible Procurement statement, which includes Social, Ethical, Economic and Environmental factors. Both the Policy and Statement were reviewed and updated during 2021/22 and is revisited on at least a biennial basis.
In June 2022, the University Procurement Strategy was refreshed, which reaffirms our commitment to addressing Modern Slavery as a key priority. As the University continues to grow we recognise that our supply chains will change and adapt to meet the needs of our expanding operation with potential to extend further into international markets.
In order to advance our commitment to responsible sourcing. the Procurement team obtained the CIPS Corporate Ethics Mark, honing their skills and knowledge of ethical procurement and sustainable supply chains.
We have continued to recognise those supply chains that represent a risk of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced and bonded labour, and labour rights violations. We have not identified any such activity, however if the University does identify instances of modern slavery in its supply chain, relevant action will be taken, including informing the police and terminating the associated contract pending a full review.
What we are going to do in the future
The challenge of modern slavery and human trafficking is one that is best addressed through the ongoing and proactive engagement with suppliers, members of the UK Universities Purchasing Consortia (UKUPC) and wider professional networks such as HEPA (Higher Education Procurement Association), through which the sharing of experience will establish and maintain best practice.
During the Financial year ending 31st July 2023 we will;
- Increase internal awareness of modern slavery risks by supporting and promoting Anti Slavery Week. Activity will include sharing with staff statistics on the scale of the issue and running internal communication campaigns up to and beyond Anti Slavery Day.
- Conduct a review of the new British Standard (BS) 25700:2022 - Organizational responses to modern slavery, published in September 2022, creating from this a rolling 24 month action plan with defined targets.
- Work with colleagues in the Sustainability team to complete a process review in-line with the ISO20400 Sustainable Procurement standard, which includes the principles and core subjects of human rights, labour practices and fair business practices
- University Commercial Services Plymouth Limited (UCSP), will continue to evidence the University’s commitment to Fairtrade by initiating the process of re-accreditation.