HEPA to run a national working group on Responsible Procurement

1st June 2017

HEPA would like to invite interested persons to join a national (UK) working group addressing the issues surrounding Responsible Procurement and moving the agenda forward.

Topics covered will include, but will not be limited to, Modern Slavery, Workers Rights, Sustainable and Ethical Procurement in Higher Education, with an aim to increase awareness, improve working practice and encourage collaboration between Universities and also their suppliers.  Responsible Procurement groups already exist within the memberships of APUC (Scotland) and LUPC (London) and we will draw from their expertise, as well as those around the table in the first meeting to form the terms of reference.  The group will be chaired by an experienced Head of Procurement.
 
The group will aim to meet quarterly, with projects and work being undertaken by individuals and sub-groups in between those meetings.  Guest speakers from within (including engaged-in-the-subject student representatives – who could potentially be invited to sit on the group) and outside the sector (which could include NGOs such as People & Planet) will be invited to attend as appropriate to both inform the work and to hold us to account!
 
The group would focus on making a real difference to enhancing Responsible Procurement in the sector, it will not be a talking shop.
 
Membership is based on overall balance of interest and expertise; however, it would be expected that members would be able and willing to undertake projects, research or support others in doing so. The group should be for people who have a personal passion for Responsible Procurement and who want to do more than the minimum and are prepared to commit some resources, be it time, effort, etc. It should be a box-ticking free zone!
 
The Meetings will take place around the UK and members must be willing to travel and provide meeting space where possible – HEPA will provide all catering.   The first meeting will take place in the North West during late July 2017.
 
The group will be limited to a maximum of around 20 persons with all BUFDG regions having representation. 

For further information or to express interest in joining the group (subject to prior line management approval if required) please contact Emma Keenan at HEPA by 14th June.