Procurement Magazine August 2024 | Page 161

SUSTAINABILITY to uphold those ethical and responsible practices within the supply chain .
Kim says : “ It is consistent with best practice to ensure our expectations of suppliers do not radically conflict with those commonly imposed by others .”
The trio also highlighted its critical need for clear communication so stakeholders know their expectations and that legal compliance , including adherence to labour laws , health and safety standards and ethical business practices .
Stuart adds : “ A good supplier code of conduct must also include ethical marketplace guidelines such as anticorruption laws and responsible sourcing , for achieving success and growth while also following fair business practices and being socially responsible .”
While all follow similarity in their answers , there were areas which were highlighted more . Graham
stressed the importance of senior management endorsement and effective communication : “ Beyond the specific legal requirements , a supplier code of conduct should express a company ’ s expectations and how they expect suppliers to act .”
Sustainability : The cornerstone of ethical procurement practices ‘ All three leaders stressed the importance of sustainability in their code of conduct , as it has emerged as a cornerstone of responsible procurement practices , shaping the ethical and operational framework of organisations worldwide . At the heart of this evolution is integrating sustainability principles into procurement codes of conduct – a strategic imperative driven by ethical responsibility , risk mitigation , regulatory compliance , cost efficiency and brand reputation .
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