Responsible Procurement Policy

Anglia Ruskin University is committed to responsible procurement through the integration of economic, environmental and social elements of sustainability throughout our entire procurement process and expect the same standards from all of our contractors, suppliers and other business partners.

We recognise that our purchasing can have adverse as well as positive impacts on our community and environment, both locally and globally. Through purchasing decisions ARU aims to strengthen the sustainability of society and the environment.

Our Responsible Procurement Policy (PDF) forms part of our broader environmental policy and management system which is certified to the international standard ISO 14001.

The aims of this policy are to improve our key suppliers' environmental and social performance, including their understanding and response to the Modern Slavery Act 2015, by using more efficient goods and services and fair working practices.

This policy is identified within the Financial Regulations and must therefore be complied with by all staff.

An assessment of the sustainability risks and opportunities associated with our key product and service categories is incorporated within our register of environmental aspects and impacts and procurement category analysis.

Our Procurement and Sustainability Strategies provide the objectives, targets, timelines and resources to deliver these commitments and inform a regular review of this policy.

Through this Policy we will commit to the following:

• Procurement decisions will balance economic (including Whole life costs), social and environmental factors.
• We will engage with suppliers to develop, create and facilitate opportunities for students to gain career-relevant insight and give direct access to employment opportunities.
• Tender specifications will clearly demonstrate the importance of our commitment to the integration of economic, environmental and social factors throughout our entire procurement process.
• Tender evaluations: for contracts above the Public Contracts Regulations thresholds there will be consideration to include an assessment of the life cycle carbon emissions.
• Contract management will include performance indicators and incentives which reflect the environmental and social performance of the requirement.
• We will prioritise SMEs and local suppliers to maximise local employment generation and economic value.
• We will engage with suppliers to encourage their adoption of environmental and social good practice and build awareness and an active response to slavery and human trafficking.
• Ethical sourcing standards, such as fair trade, shall be considered for all goods, particularly those identified as high risk.
• Advice and support will be provided to our staff who undertake procurement activities on how to implement this policy.
• The University will monitor and report on progress applying this Policy.