08 August 2017 
Emma Keenan, Procurement Specialist
The NETpositive Supplier Engagement Tool (HE) Steering Group has decided that the reduced rate (previously only available to partner consortia members) should now be offered to all UK Higher Education institutions. The tool allows participating organisations to share access with their suppliers, enabling them to develop a sustainability action plan that can be interrogated as part of contract management. This helps Universities prioritise their supplier engagement based on risk and actual evidence of activity and impact rather than simply policy commitments.
There are currently almost 3000 HE suppliers registered on the Tool, including 1300 specifically supplying London Based Universities and 1000 suppliers to the Scottish Higher Education Sector. More information about the project can be found here.
The data from the Tool also provides a very practical response to the Modern Slavery Act, as it adopts an action-based approach. A recent report by the University of Manchester also demonstrates how the Tool can be used to contribute to Category Management. It is hoped that this commitment by the Steering Group will ensure a co-ordinated approach across the sector.
A series of events are planned where procurement practitioners can find out more about the Tool and the approach. Dates and booking information can be found here.
