07 June 2017 
Emma Keenan, Procurement Specialist
With an annual spend of around £410m on goods and services and a £1bn campus development programme, The University of Manchester is exerting significant influence on its suppliers’ approach to social and environmental issues with 1,000 now accessing its supplier engagement tool to create bespoke action plans.
Working with NETPositive Futures, the University has created a free tool which all suppliers are encouraged to use to explore their social and environmental impacts. A customised action plan is then generated for them which may help solve existing problems or embed new activity which makes a positive difference.
By using this approach, the University’s Procurement Team is stimulating change in the 1,000 suppliers who have signed up and spreading best practice well beyond their normal sphere of influence. Suggested actions generated by the tool range from developing an apprenticeship programme, to promoting sustainable travel options, and are directly related to the business’ own priorities.
To read the full report details and access the project information please click here.
