News

SDP plays a vital role in Scotland's journey to sustainable procurement

The Scottish Government has published an independent review that looks back over the past twenty years (2002-2022) of sustainable public procurement in Scotland and other parts of the UK. The Supplier Development Programme (SDP) has been named in this review as a key point for the development of the supply chain by several sources.

The independent review, which was conducted by a Scottish micro business, Harkins Research & Consultancy Ltd, shows the clear success of Scotland's journey of achieving sustainable procurement outcomes, driven by a strong passion and commitment across all sectors. The findings showcase how the progressive approach to sustainable procurement in Scotland has achieved jobs, training and other positive outcomes.

Developing the Supply Chain

Scotland has a long history and commitment to developing the supply chain and the local economy:

"A lot of my time and focus is spent on getting the first bit right – supplier development…if you build it, they will come." (Other public body)

The collaborative, proactive programme of the Supplier Development Programme, which involves procurement and economic development, was spoken highly of by many respondents during the independent review.

SDP's joined up approach and collaborative nature of supporting the supplier community was recognised as a key factor that contributes to what good looks like in developing the supply chain and the local economy.

SDP was specifically noted to align with Community Wealth Building, given its aim of providing local suppliers with the knowledge, skills and preparation required to maximise contracting opportunities in their communities.

This approach aims to support the supplier community to be "tender ready", and to develop their capability and expertise for embracing tender opportunities. This is achieved through the facilitation of engagement opportunities, information sessions and sharing contract pipelines and future opportunities.

SDP's events such as Meet the Buyer, Talking Tenders and supplier surgeries (information events for suppliers) were also noted as great examples of successful supplier development.

Scotland Leads on Supplier Development

The research indicated that Scotland has a long and effective history of supplier engagement and development, driven by a desire to support the local economy and maximise outcomes.

This is evidenced by the Supplier Development Programme's ongoing provision of training and support, the Sustainable Procurement Tools, and the Procurement Journey and Supplier Journey websites.

Together, these create a strong framework and support for those delivering sustainable procurement outcomes.

Across the other UK nations, this level of support being available to suppliers was hailed as best practice and an achievement to aspire to.

Gillian Cameron, SDP Programme Manager, said: "Within Scotland's local authorities in particular, the Supplier Development Programme has long supported procurement and economic development to use their spend and collective local knowledge to actively encourage and support a growing, diverse and resilient local business base.

"By proactively engaging Scotland's business base and demonstrating through independent reporting just how open and transparent private sector supply chains can be when delivering large public sector projects and contracts, the Supplier Development Programme a cutting edge approach to Community Wealth Building. We hope to see many more larger contractors and manufacturers take up corporate membership of the Supplier Development Programme to carry forward the Scottish Government's policy requirements in a sustainable way."

Next steps

If you want to benefit from the vital supplier development support that SDP offers, take a look at a range of free events & trainings like SDP webinars or SDP e Learning.